I'm actually not sure why this show has received such criticism in that it's not much different than most other reality shows. It's laden with sex and debauchery as that's what sells. Young guys and gals trying to hook up and have a good time, which is what most young people do these days and thus its wide-spread popularity.

(Although granted, most of the guys are in the late 20's or early 30's (Pauly D) and should probably be moving onto something else at this point in their lives, but what are you gonna do.)