Reality TV and Mental Health: What it’s really like

Escalating Risks and Psychological Toll

Reality TV has evolved significantly, pushing boundaries and introducing increasingly extreme scenarios. From physical challenges to emotional confrontations, the stakes are higher than ever. Participants willingly subject themselves to intense scrutiny, often unaware of the psychological toll it may take.

Zara Holland, a former Miss Great Britain who appeared on Love Island, shared her experience: “I noticed a massive change in my personality. I kind of had no go-to at all and I wasn’t really that happy.” She struggled with anxiety and depression, attributing it to her time on the show⁶. Furthermore, Sarah Goodhart, from Geordie Shore, also faced challenges. She had anxiety and depression before going on the show, but her requests for help were overlooked. The pursuit of fame can exacerbate mental health issues while often not providing the support needed to cope with the rapid change in lifestyle⁶.

Ethical Dilemmas and Informed Consent

The dawn of reality television brings new ethical dilemmas. Are contestants truly aware of the potential consequences when they sign up for reality shows? Mental health professionals working on reality shows face challenges. Attempting to predict suicide risk is difficult, especially when contestants may not fully disclose their struggles during assessments. Some candidates may give answers they think the assessors want to hear in order to prevent jeopardising their chance of selection¹. This raises important questions for mental health screening reality TV contestants: what’s the best, most ethical way to do it?

Reality TV and Conflict

Ian Hamilton, a senior lecturer in addiction and mental health, expressed concern about reality tv shows similar to Love Island that “thrive on manufacturing conflict.” Unfortunately, it’s often the contestants who bear the brunt of this². The previous series of Love Island received the most Ofcom complaints in the show’s history, with more than 30,000 viewers expressing concerns. The show encourages arguments and edits scenes in a way to exaggerate fallouts, this then promotes audience interaction on social media².

The Way Forward: Balancing Entertainment and Well-Being

While duty of care protocols have improved, experts continue to question the impact of reality TV on mental health. Some argue that the only way to prevent harm is to reconsider the format of shows that thrive on conflict. Producers must strike a balance between entertainment value and participant safety. Comprehensive psychological support, detailed conversations, and proactive aftercare is essential for contestants². As viewers, we should recognise the toll reality TV takes and advocate for better support systems within the industry. ¹²

Summary

In summary, reality TV’s allure often clashes with ethical considerations and the mental well-being of its participants. In a new world of reality television, social media, and globalisation, information travels fast — and this isn’t always a good think. It’s important to remember the individual’s on the screen are humans, too, with their own life struggles and mental health challenges. As viewers, we must recognise the impact and advocate for better support systems within the industry. ¹²

References

1. Reality TV and mental health: ‘I wish I’d never gone on the show’ – BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-44884963.
2. How well can reality TV shows assess the risks to contestants’ mental …. https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/06/24/how-well-can-reality-tv-shows-assess-the-risks-to-contestants-mental-health/.
3. Love Island and the concerns about psychological distress that won’t go ….https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/aug/22/love-island-and-the-concerns-aboutpsychological-distress-that-wont-go-away.
4. The psychological risks in reality TV and how aftercare should … – Medium.https://openlearn.medium.com/the-psychological-risks-in-reality-tv-and-how-aftercare-should-be-done-5fc8733bd6cd.
5. Jeremy Kyle Show: a psychologist explains the risks in reality TV and …. https://theconversation.com/jeremy-kyle-show-a-psychologist-explains-the-risks-in-reality-tvand-how-aftercare-should-be-done-117287.
6. WH Investigates: Reality and TV and Mental Health – Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/mental-health/a27750385/reality-tv-and-mental-health/.
7. Reality Show Contestants Discuss Effects Of Overnight Fame – BuzzFeed. https://www.buzzfeed.com/angelaandaloro/reality-show-contestants-mental-health.
8. Reality TV contestants who have spoken about their mental health ….https://www.who.com.au/reality-tv-contestants-mental-health.
9. Reality TV Fame Comes At A Cost To Mental Health – Refinery29.https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/2022/06/11023247/reality-tv-mental-health.