Love Island hit our screens on Monday. I won’t be watching. Here’s why:
Earlier this year, Mike Thalassitis took his own life. He was the second Love Island contestant, following Sophie Gradon in 2018, to complete suicide following the show. These two tragic deaths have opened up a host of debates as to the impact of this reality TV programme on the mental health of both the contestants and the audience watching.
Contestants are catapulted into the limelight and being the subject of public attention, can be difficult to deal with. Health secretary Matt Hancock has called for more support for these participants, stating “I am very worried about the support for mental health of contestants on reality TV shows. The sudden exposure to massive fame can have significant impacts on people.”
Love Island 2018 participants have opened up about the struggles they have experienced as a result of the instant fame. Laura Anderson, who had previously “always been confident and happy with her appearance” admitted to being worried about her body image after being thrust into the public eye. Samira Mighty expressed that on her “down days, she lies in bed until 3pm thinking ‘what am I doing? I hate my life.’’
Another factor contributing to the poor mental health of the contestants during the show, is the unhealthy relationships that can be formed. This came under particular scrutiny during last year’s show when Adam Collard sparked a response from Women’s Aid due to his treatment of fellow islander Rosie Williams. He was accused of ‘gaslighting,’ a form of mental abuse enacted to alter the victim’s perception of reality. His actions were thought to demonstrate ‘clear warning signs of emotional abuse’ and need to be highlighted as unacceptable, rather than normalised for entertainment.
Love Island attracted more than three million viewers each night last year and this popularity makes it an undeniable influence on the viewers who watch it, especially younger people.
According to UK survey data released by the Mental Health Foundation earlier this month, 24% of people aged 18 to 24 say reality TV makes them worry about their body image.
A separate survey commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation last year also found that 47% of young people aged 18-24 have felt so stressed by body image and appearance that they have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
Social media, including platforms such as Instagram, have had a profound influence on the insecurity felt by young people due to constant comparisons between themselves and what they see online. Concern about body image is linked to anxiety, depression and feelings of shame and disgust.
Love Island’s cast is hardly representative in terms of body diversity, and the images the show creates are unrealistic. This further reinforces the stereotypical ‘attractive’ image that influences the audience’s views of their own bodies. This misrepresentation of body image creates an unattainable impression of beauty that these young people may internalise and strive to achieve, to the detriment of their mental health.
So what is ITV doing to protect contestants and viewers? For this series, all participants have apparently undergone psychological and medical assessments prior to filming. These assessments were carried out by an independent doctor and a psychological consultant and have also been compared to GP’s medical histories.
After leaving the villa, contestants will be required to take part in training that advises them on how to cope with social media, how to adjust to life back home and how to handle their finances after experiencing the sudden fame. They will also receive a minimum of eight therapy sessions after the show has ended, and ‘proactive contact with islanders’ will continue for up to 14 months after the show.
The responsibility for improving the mental wellbeing of contestants is not solely placed on ITV. Tabloid journalists also play an important role in helping to minimise the negative pressures placed on the contestants. The Telegraph and The Sun reported Mike Thalassitis’ death with the use of his nickname ‘Muggy Mike’, highlighting the media’s lack of respect.
It is undeniable that there are some risks to mental health associated with Love island and other reality TV shows, for both the contestants and the audience.
Therefore, if you are watching the show this year, know that the portrayal of ‘attractiveness’ or ‘ideal’ bodies is not representative. Know that people may portray their ‘best lives’ on TV and social media which probably do not match up to reality. Know that many media images are unrealistic thanks to the likes of airbrushing and filtering.
Instead, know that we are all beautiful. Focus on your positive qualities, skills, and talents. And if you need support, speak to a trusted friend, family member or go to your GP.