Love Island has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating people with its sun-filled villas and dramatic love stories. However, behind the glitz and glamour, there lies a darker reality: the intense pressure to embody perfection. Contestants are thrust into a world where their looks, personalities, and relationships are constantly scrutinized by both viewers and social media, creating an environment where self-worth is often measured by external validation. This constant spotlight can be mentally and emotionally taxing, especially for those who enter the villa seeking love and personal growth only to be met with the opposite experience of overwhelming expectations.
In this blog, we will explore how the quest for "perfection" on Love Island not only affects the mental health of contestants but also influences viewers. The narrative of flawless beauty, drama-filled romances, and constant competition perpetuates unrealistic ideals, raising important questions about body image, self-esteem, and the psychological toll of living up to society’s standards. Through this lens, we will dive deeper into the pressures of reality TV and examine how they contribute to an ongoing conversation about mental health in the entertainment industry.
Anchor Therapy is a counseling center in Hoboken, NJ with mental health therapists specialized in helping children, teens, adults, couples, and families with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, and more. Anchor Therapy is accepting new clients and is now providing in-person sessions and teletherapy sessions to residents of New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
How Love Island Affects Mental Health
Love Island, with its captivating mix of romance, drama, and nonstop sun, has become a staple in modern reality TV. But while it is entertaining for viewers, the impact on the mental health of its contestants is far from glamorous. The constant pressure to look perfect, find love, and stay in the public’s favor can be overwhelming. Contestants are often thrust into the spotlight with little preparation for the mental toll of fame, intense scrutiny, and social media backlash. With millions of eyes on them, these young adults are exposed to criticism and praise in equal measure, leaving them vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.
What are the negative aspects of being on reality TV?
Mental health struggles (e.g., anxiety, depression, emotional burnout, etc.)
Public scrutiny and online abuse
Loss of privacy
Unrealistic expectations
Exploitation for entertainment
Body image issues (Read our blog “How to Overcome Body Image Issues”)
Short-lived fame and identity crisis
Damaged relationships (View our blog “How to Cope with Dating Anxiety”)
Lack of psychological support
Financial instability (Check out our blog “4 Ways to Deal with Financial Stress”)
Stigma and stereotyping
The emotional strain does not stop once the show ends. Many Love Island contestants have spoken out about the mental health challenges they face after leaving the villa. Once they return to the "real world," they are forced to navigate life as a public figure- constantly in the media’s spotlight, facing both public adoration and harsh judgment. The pressure to maintain a flawless image online can lead to an unhealthy obsession with appearance and validation which often worsens existing mental health struggles. Social media, in particular, plays a massive role in this, with constant trolling, body-shaming, and unrealistic comparisons to other influencers or celebrities. Check out our blog “How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other People.”
Moreover, the nature of reality TV itself heightens these issues. Love Island relies on drama, conflict, and showmances to maintain its audience’s interest, but for contestants, these situations can trigger feelings of isolation, betrayal, and anxiety. Relationships on the show are often exaggerated for entertainment purposes, with emotions pushed to extremes. This distorted portrayal of love and conflict can create confusion for contestants who are struggling to process their real feelings. The constant need to "perform" for the camera, coupled with the looming fear of being voted out or eliminated makes it nearly impossible to foster genuine emotional connections in a healthy environment. For more information, read our blog “4 Ways to Manage Your Relationship Anxiety.”
The impact on mental health is not just confined to those in the villa. The viewers at home are also affected, often adopting unhealthy standards set by the contestants’ appearance, behavior, and relationships. The pressure to conform to idealized body types and lifestyles seen on Love Island has a ripple effect on audiences, particularly younger viewers. These unrealistic portrayals of beauty and romance can contribute to body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, and unhealthy relationship expectations. It creates an environment where physical appearance and superficial traits are prioritized, reinforcing the notion that love and happiness are tied to external perfection. View our blog “The Hidden Impact of Body Image on Your Well-Being.”
In recent years, however, there has been a growing awareness of the mental health issues associated with reality TV, and Love Island has begun to implement some changes. Contestants now receive more mental health support before, during, and after their time on the show, and there is increased attention to the psychological aftermath of fame.
While these measures are a step in the right direction, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the deeper implications of reality TV culture. As Love Island continues to dominate the TV landscape, it is crucial that conversations about mental health remain at the forefront to ensure that future contestants are better equipped to handle the challenges that come with their time in the villa.
Do Love Island contestants get therapy?
Yes, Love Island contestants do receive access to therapy, but the level and timing of support have evolved over time- largely in response to public concern and past tragedies involving former cast members. In earlier seasons, aftercare was minimal, and contestants were often left to navigate the intense scrutiny of fame on their own. However, after the deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, Love Island faced significant criticism, prompting the show to overhaul its duty of care procedures and implement more robust mental health support.
As of recent seasons, Love Island has included mandatory psychological evaluations for contestants before entering the villa. They also provide access to registered mental health professionals during filming, although the environment itself can still be mentally challenging. Contestants are monitored for signs of distress and can speak to a therapist if needed. The show also offers guidance around the emotional aspects of participating in reality TV, including media training and preparation for public exposure.
What are the negative mental health effects of being a Love Island contestant?
Anxiety (Read our blog “5 Ways to Calm Your Anxiety”)
Depression (Check out our blog “3 Benefits of Working With A Depression Therapist”)
Body image issues
Low self-esteem (View our blog “Do You Understand Your Self-Esteem?”)
Post-show identity crisis
Social media trolling and online abuse (View our blog “Do I Have A Social Media Addiction?”)
Difficulty returning to normal life (Read our blog “The Best Ways to Cope with Life Transitions”)
What are the effects of social media trolling?
Increased anxiety and stress
Depression and low mood
Lowered self-esteem
Body image issues
Sleep problems (Read our blog “3 Ways to Relieve Sleep Anxiety”)
Social withdrawal
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts (Feeling suicidal? Help is only a phone call away at the free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255)
Hypervigilance
Trust issues (Read our blog “How to Deal with Trust Issues”)
Negative impact on career (View our blog “How Counseling Can Help Your Career”)
Post-show therapy is now part of the standard aftercare package. Contestants are offered therapy sessions and support in adjusting to sudden fame, as well as managing online abuse and transitioning back to normal life. While this is a step in the right direction, critics argue that more consistent, long-term mental health support is necessary, especially since the psychological impact of reality TV fame can surface months or even years after the cameras stop rolling. The effectiveness of this support often depends on whether contestants actively engage with the services provided and how long they continue to be available after the show ends.
Why do they not eat on Love Island?
While it might seem like Love Island contestants never eat, it is not safe to assume they go without food. In reality, they do eat regular meals, but these moments are deliberately left out of the final edit. Producers choose to focus the show’s content on drama, romance, and emotional interactions rather than on everyday activities like eating which are considered less entertaining for viewers. Because of this, full meals are usually eaten off-camera, giving the illusion that eating does not happen at all.
In fact, articles show that mealtimes are one of the rare times contestants are allowed to step away from filming. During these breaks, cameras stop rolling and islanders get some downtime without being recorded which also gives them a chance to interact with crew members and reset mentally. While viewers might catch occasional snacks or drinks during filmed conversations, the actual meals are intentionally excluded to keep the show's pacing focused on relationships and dramatic developments, not routine daily habits.
Who left Love Island because of mental health?
Several Love Island contestants have left the show due to mental health struggles which showcases the emotional toll reality TV can take. One of the most well-known examples is Niall Aslam from Season 4 (2018), who left the villa early, citing "personal reasons." Later, Niall revealed that he had been struggling with his mental health due to Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, and found the intense environment of the villa overwhelming. He shared that he experienced a psychotic episode after leaving which led to hospitalization. His openness has helped raise awareness about the need for better mental health support in reality TV.
Another high-profile departure was Sherif Lanre, also from Season 5 (2019), who left the villa under ambiguous circumstances that were initially framed as a mutual decision with producers. While his exit was later attributed to breaking the show's rules, Sherif has spoken about the psychological pressure and the lack of support during and after his departure. He later expressed that the experience left him feeling abandoned and affected his mental well-being significantly, especially when trying to manage public backlash. Read our blog “Healing Abandonment Trauma with Inner Work.”
Rosie Williams, also from Season 4, did not leave mid-season due to mental health issues but later spoke out about how the aftermath of being on the show deeply affected her emotionally. The sudden exposure, online abuse, and pressure to maintain a perfect image caused intense anxiety and self-doubt. Rosie, like many others, has used her platform to advocate for stronger aftercare and more realistic portrayals of mental health challenges faced by contestants.
Perhaps the most tragic reminders of the show’s mental health impact are the deaths of Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, both former contestants who took their own lives after struggling with post-show pressures and mental health issues. These incidents led to widespread criticism of Love Island’s duty of care and prompted the show’s network to implement more robust psychological support systems. While some improvements have been made, the show continues to face calls for greater transparency and long-term mental health support for all contestants.
How does love impact the brain?
Love has a profound impact on the brain, activating a complex network of regions responsible for emotion, reward, and motivation. When someone experiences romantic love, areas like the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the caudate nucleus light up- these are key parts of the brain’s reward system. They release neurotransmitters like dopamine, often called the “feel-good” chemical which creates feelings of pleasure, happiness, and euphoria. This dopamine rush can make love feel addictive, driving people to seek closeness and connection with their partners. At the same time, love decreases activity in the brain’s amygdala, the center that processes fear and anxiety, which can explain why people often feel more confident and less afraid when they are in love. View our blog “Why Do I Feel Addicted to Love?”.
Beyond just the initial spark, love also influences long-term emotional bonding and attachment. The hormone oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone,” plays a crucial role in strengthening trust and deepening intimacy between partners. Oxytocin is released during moments of physical touch, like hugging or kissing, reinforcing feelings of closeness and safety. Moreover, love can reduce stress by lowering levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, which helps improve overall emotional well-being. In these ways, love not only lights up the brain’s reward centers but also promotes mental and physical health by fostering connection and reducing anxiety.
While the show offers captivating entertainment, it also highlights the mental health challenges tied to unrealistic expectations and constant public scrutiny. Recognizing these pressures is the first step toward fostering a healthier conversation about reality TV.
Victoria Scala
is the Social Media Manager, Intake Coordinator, and Community Engagement Director at Anchor Therapy in Hoboken, New Jersey. She is a graduate of the Honors College of Rutgers University-Newark and is currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the graduate level. In her roles, Victoria is committed to managing the office’s social media/community presence and prioritizing clients' needs.
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