psychologists “[express] concern about the long-term effects” of Idol put-downs.

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by Andy Dehnart / August 13, 2003, 7:00 AM

psychologists “[express] concern about the long-term effects” of Idol put-downs.
Simon Cowell’s biting put-downs may be harmful to Pop Idol (and, presumably, American Idol) contestants. One psychologist and professor says “these put-downs are devastating in the long-term” for some contestants. London School of Economics professor Dr. Mallory Wober agrees, saying that following “a process of reinforcement about their ability from family and friends and the show’s recruiters, … [t]he cost of inflating someone’s [ego], where the game is to give the worst insults, is very dangerous.”

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