TheWrap.com, a Web site that covers Hollywood with a hard-nosed edge, recently posted a two-part investigation looking at reality show suicides and what's called the Truman Show syndrome.
The first part explores how 11 people on reality shows have tried to take their lives -- some succeeding -- after encounters with reality shows.
The overall point is that either the person was already unstable and didn't get the psychologoical clearance they should have had or they were goaded by unscrupulous producers to do things on the shows that they later regretted.
The second part deals with how some shows don't prepare fragile reality show contestants for life after TV fame and solutions that could make things better.
It's good reading, particularly in light of the recent 'She's Got the Look' meltdown and the fragile state instant fame brought to Susan Boyle. Even Simon Cowell says things could have been handled better.
And let's not forget Jon and Kate Gosselin, who'll we will learn more about tonight.
Assistant Features Editor Adrienne Johnson Martin would like to have her life turned into an animated cartoon. 
Comments
children
Mon, 06/22/2009 - 12:24 — adriennj (author)I am definitely against any of the shows that involve children. It's akin to statutory rape; they are below the age of consent, they don't even have the tools to make that kind of decision.
The list is so long...
Mon, 06/22/2009 - 12:04 — Jen1978Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey divorced after their show.
Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro divorced after their show.
Jack Osbourne went to rehab after the Osbournes.
Richard Hatch went to jail for fraud and tax evasion after Survivor.
It's really sad to watch people ruin their lives for the fleeting fame of reality TV. Sure, in some cases, these people had deeper problems, but being on TV surely didn't help them work those issues out.
As much as I enjoy a good reality show trainwreck, it's getting harder and harder for me to watch shows like that. I get tired of the cringing.