TW: This article discusses sensitive issues such as suicide and mental health.
The pandemic put the production of reality shows such as Love Island on hold. However, in 2021, ITV are reintroducing reality dating shows to our screens. Right now, many people across the UK are unable to see their loved ones. Is it, therefore, right that strangers interacting intimately with each other is being flaunted on television? This genre of television has also faced criticism in the past for leaving the participants with poor mental health. Is it justifiable to put the mental health of participants and viewers at risk for the purpose of reality TV?
“It is not fair that ITV flaunt complete strangers interacting intimately at this time.”
In January, ITV began its new show The Cabins. Like Love Island, it features young singletons living away from home in an attempt to find love or, perhaps more sceptically, fame.
Are these dating shows insensitive during a pandemic?
I think that allowing these shows to continue is insensitive. For those who are unable to see their loved ones, it is not fair that participants can interact with strangers. Tests will take place prior, but still, it feels inappropriate when many have not hugged their own for almost a year. It is not fair that ITV flaunts complete strangers interacting intimately at this time when everyone else lives by restrictions.
Both shows film 24/7. This means the participants’ every move are broadcasted. This leaves them vulnerable to harsh scrutiny. The consistent nature of these shows also means that they have become incredibly popular with 4.3 million people tuning in to watch the 2018 Love Island final.
“Is it right that we pick people apart for the purpose of our entertainment?”
Contestants had blasted into fame and some struggled to adjust to life in the spotlight. Scrutiny alongside prior mental health struggles has led to the suicide of multiple Love island participants. Unfortunately, Mike Thalassitis, Sophie Gradon and the former host Caroline Flack have all taken their own lives. These tragic deaths pose the question: is this kind of exposure and fame good for people’s mental health? Is it right that we pick people apart for the purpose of our entertainment?
Should these shows be cancelled?
Why are these particular shows allowed to continue whilst The Jeremy Kyle Show was cancelled after the death of a participant? This is hypocritical. I would cancel Love Island for the same reason.
The shows remove participants from society. An aspect which does not seem right. Especially in the unpredictable climate of Covid-19. In The Cabins, participants are able to communicate with their loved ones via phone, but in Love Island, they are completely cut off from the outside world. Support and connection to one’s friends and family are integral to a healthy lifestyle so separating the participants from the world has negative implications for their mental health.
“When people are vulnerable, is it right to jeopardise their health further so that we have something entertaining to watch at the end of a long day?”
Support measures
ITV have put in measures to support the contestants.
Previous contestant of Love Island, Dr Alex George, has recalled asking ITV “for therapy”, after his appearance on the show in 2018, because it was not offered to participants at the time. From 2019, ITV put in ‘duty of care’ measures to ensure the well-being of their contestants, including at least eight therapy sessions after leaving the villa.
These measures are important and some would argue making continuing reality shows like this is justifiable. However, we are currently living in a different climate. After spending most of 2020 isolated from the world, the global decline in good mental well-being is significant.
When people are vulnerable, is it right to jeopardise their health further so that we have something entertaining to watch at the end of a long day?
The Cabins: a better alternative
Love Island has proven many times that it is not necessarily good for the mental well-being of its participants. It is not right to allow a show that isolates it contestants so extremely to go ahead in the turbulent world we live in. The consequences could be severe. The Cabins has similarities, but I believe it is a more justifiable option. The new show has aspects which suggest it is potentially better for participants.
“These programmes aren’t entirely moral”
The show takes place in England and the participants appear to constantly be in contact with their loved ones. This was an aspect of the show that I liked. The format of the program also means that participants are not on screen for as long, hopefully meaning that they are less vulnerable to scrutiny from the public. I think that these aspects and the lack of a competitive element that is fundamental to Love Island make it a better show for participants.
Despite this, I would argue that these programmes aren’t entirely moral. It is not right that we put people’s mental health at risk for our own entertainment. In addition, it is not fair for people to watch strangers hug and kiss when viewers have not been able to interact with their loved ones in the same way for so long.
They should not be allowed to go ahead.
If you are struggling with your own mental health, here are some useful websites you can access:
https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/suicide/
Eleanor Down
Featured Image courtesy of René Ranisch on Unsplash. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to the image.