According to a study done in 2019 by The Mental Health Foundation, 24% of people in the United Kingdom from ages 18-24 say they worry about their body image because of the effects of reality TV shows like Love Island that depict contestants that are selected because of their good looks.
These programs often showcase people in high-pressure circumstances and expose them to public attention, which can be stressful and lead to mental health concerns such as anxiety, despair, and suicidal thinking (Mental Health Foundation). Because there is so much pressure to succeed, stay relevant, and keep a good public image, people may always feel like they are being watched and judged. Lack of privacy, isolation from family and friends, and inability to influence how they are depicted on the program may contribute to mental health problems.
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Reality television have beneficial and harmful influences on younger audience perspectives. They may serve as a catalyst for conversation among young people and provide opportunities to question conventional conceptions of relationships. They may also be used to initiate talks about relationships with younger viewers that are age appropriate. Conversely, these programs might normalize emotional abuse and alter adolescents' perceptions of good and harmful relationships.
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The suicide of Sophie Gradon, a former contestant on the reality TV show Love Island, in 2018 is a horrific illustration of the toll exposure to such programming can have on viewers' mental health. It is believed that Gradon's mental health issues worsened due to the media attention and online abuse she received after appearing on the program
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Producers and broadcasters must be aware of these programs' potential drawbacks and take action to lessen them, such as offering assistance to contestants and encouraging healthy relationship models. Also, parents and educators must discuss healthy relationships with children and reality TV's possible drawbacks
UK Love Island Cast open up about mental health difficulties
Dr. Alex George
From Love Island to Parliament
Dr. Alex George appeared in the fourth season of Love Island. In an interview with Varsity in 2022, George describes the 25 weeks leading up to the start of the season:
“I trained really hard to get in shape on Love Island, I was part of the whole problem on it, and since then have realized it made me feel terrible. I was hyper-judgemental about my body, removed myself from social circles, and didn’t want to eat out.”
Sadly, in 2020, George's younger brother took his own life. Immediately after the death of his brother and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, George launched a campaign to help raise awareness for the struggles of youth and mental health
In February 2021, George met with Prime Minister, Boris Johnson who appointed him to the newly created position of Youth Mental Health Ambassador In the Department of Education. Dr. George also is a part of the Mental Health in Education Action group that seeks to children return to education after the COVID pandemic and offer resources if students need help with mental health issues.