A popular phrase on Love Island this summer has been ‘they are the most compatible’. The idea of compatibility to me sounds like an internet quiz where you would type in your 10 year old crush. Is being compatible with someone necessarily love at first sight? Love Island is a fast turning table of relationships constantly being challenged and changed. However, despite the perfect Majorican villa setup one thing seems to be missing from this season - none of the couples seem truly in love.
As a disclaimer, I am a huge watcher of Reality TV. I love watching how real people interact with each other when cameras are placed in the corners of the palm trees. However, the industry is changing as these shows are now more of a foot in the door to get quick fame. It isn’t a judgement as a £50,000 prize seems very snug. Yet, there have been issues with the show and it does spark a controversial debate. Here are a few reasons as to why Love Island might be fizzling out after 10 seasons:
1. The idea of an influencer is changing
GK Barry, Maddie Jepson and Chloe Burrows are some of the most recognizable social media faces. Yes, some of them come from Love Island backgrounds but what they have in common is that they are all quite relatable. From posting hangovers, to unfiltered faces or goofy videos these influencers seem to be gaining the most popularity. The problem with Love Island is that they tend to generate very ‘aesthetic’ looking influencers. However, the internet seems to be caring less about looking perfect and more about being real. So, the Love Island contestants this year needn’t have tried so hard as ultimately being themselves is what is going to get them the deals.
2. Fuels a toxic dating culture
‘Messy Mitch’ was one of the TV archetypes this year. The premise of this character was a 26 year old man who could never decide which girl to pick and changed his mind like he was writing a wish list. However, this idea of ‘not deciding’ promotes the dating culture which is that there are too many options nowadays. Why settle with someone when you can swipe on another 50 people? Also, there is constant talk about the ‘outside world’ and how it’s likely that someone will get lots of attention in a nightclub. The buzz of validation is rife on a show like this between both girls and boys. Short-term it is a confidence boost but long-term is not looking likely for any committed relationships.
3. Mental health implications
It would be ignorant to write an article about the issues with Love Island without mentioning the elephant in the room. Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon were two contestants that took their own lives within 12 months. Also, the big shock was the death of Caroline Flack who presented the show for 4 years. The question is whether the aftercare from these shows is ever really enough as the show will always be formatted to villainise people. There have been changes such as social media being deactivated whilst contestants are in the villa however, this doesn’t stop hate and only limits it for a short amount of time. If these shows are really about scrutinising the character of someone in a 1 hr edit, then the topic of mental health won’t ever be changed.
4. Fake it till you make it
The true inspiration for this article has been me avidly watching season 10 of Love Island and reaching a conclusion - I don’t think any of the couples are going to last. There is an air of immaturity and doubt surrounding a lot of the contestants. The main issue is that once this ‘Majorca villa bubble’ bursts then outside realities are very different. I think there is a strategic game plan to a lot of the couples choosing someone they feel best suited to or working out the public's perception of them. For a £50,000 prize there is no judgement on going on the show with a plan of action. However, the magic of the show is lost when the final dates look set up and uncomfortable. A bit like an awkward hinge date where you realise it's not going anywhere.
Ultimately, I will continue to watch reality TV - I'm not advocating the end of it. However, I think a refresh of shows are needed in order to survive the future.