We’ve all been there. Sat in front of the TV at 9pm during the summer months, waiting for that iconic jingle that tells us we’re in for another dramatic hour-long episode of Love Island.
Which couple will break up tonight? Which romantic partnership is real? Will it be the men or women who start drama?
These are all questions we have most likely asked ourselves when watching the infamous programme, maybe without even realising it. However, we might not think about how toxic these scenarios really are to us viewers, especially when we see them unfold every night.
Reality shows such as Love Island, along with The Only Way is Essex and Made in Chelsea, show us the ideal, rather than realistic, version of relationships. It is fair to say an estimated 99% of couples on the programme are not really in love, and their actions give viewers false ideologies of true love.
Yes, we have the likes of Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury, and Alex and Olivia Bowen, who have ‘survived’ on the outside of the Love Island villa. However, they are definitely part of the rare exception.
So, we must ask ourselves, why do so many couples not survive on the outside of these shows?
It is because of the false notion that whatever happens inside the villa reflects ‘real life’, which could not be further from the truth – often resulting in the relationship breaking down within a month or two.
Even though these shows bring in millions of views and act as a form of escapism, many have argued against their continuation. In my opinion, presenting these false scenarios to viewers every night is damaging and puts pressure on people to feel like they have to live up to these expectations.
For example, Tommy Fury decorated Molly-Mae’s bedroom with an excessive and unrealistic amount of balloons, banners and gifts. As lovely as this is to see, it may make others doubt their worth in their relationship.
No matter your view, none of us can deny reality television makes for an extremely entertaining watch.
Will you be tuning in to the new series this summer?
Edited by Katie Wheatley
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