For decades, America has embraced television as a boon companion. We’ve stuck with it through thick and thin, sickness and health. Alas, the TV has not returned the favor. Television and other avenues of entertainment often downplay traditional marriage in favor of more casual, sexually charged hookups—particularly when it comes to shows designed for teens and young adults. “Gossip Girl,” “Glee” and “The Vampire Diaries” are among the biggest culprits. Some experts believe commitment-phobic shows such as these are a case of art imitating life. Youth are far more likely to have “friends with benefits” or focus on casual relationships than ever before, they say. Others suggest such shows aren’t just reflecting the hookup culture; they’re pushing it. “To some extent Hollywood may be promoting the hookup mentality because that is much more exciting and sexy than promoting monogamy and stable relationships,” says psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Gardere. “Today’s younger culture is about the hookup and fun instead of settling down, so certainly Hollywood will play to that audience. I also believe there is a tendency to promote that lifestyle as being more easy to achieve than it actually is. There are not enough stories about the emotional and even physical repercussions to the hookup mentality.” (Fox News)