Ever wondered what it would be like to get flown out to a tropical paradise, meet the man of your dreams and fall head over heels for him, all whilst being brutally gaslit and emotionally destroyed on national television? No? Well, thanks to Love Island, you can watch it happen to someone else from the safety of your couch. Welcome to the villa.
Love Island is an internationally beloved reality TV dating show, an icon of the genre that has millions of viewers tuning in for each new season. Every summer, a fresh cast of hopeful romantics arrive with open hearts, hoping to take a chance on love and find that genuine connection with the perfect partner. At least, that’s what I would say if I had never actually seen a single episode. As soon as those cameras start rolling, the emotional terrorism begins – and the recent UK season is the most concerning yet.
The series is no stranger to controversy, with contestants often facing torrents of online hate upon returning from the villa. But this season’s pervasive undercurrent of misogyny has sparked more discourse than any other, with one long-time fan going so far as to call it “the worst thing I’ve ever seen”. Slut-shaming, gaslighting and domineering behaviour are all seemingly becoming part of the casting requirements for the male islanders. Nobody is rooting for these absolute villains, so why do they continue to reign supreme in the world of Love Island?
In recent years, Love Island and other forms of reality TV have been repeatedly called out by viewers for allowing in contestants that had a history of manipulative behaviour in previous relationships. Women are often lied to, slut-shamed and laughed at behind their backs. Misogyny and sexism lay the foundation for the tolerance of abuse and violence – it reinforces a culture that excuses and trivialises violence against women and girls.
– Women’s Aid UK, as cited in Glamour Magazine
The answer lies within the audience. Viewers simply cannot get enough of the drama these men bring, poor behaviour and all. Because if they weren’t so trash, there would be no heroines for us to root for. Furthermore, nothing keeps us glued to the screen like a scorned woman trope. Without the men acting as antagonists, there would be no inspiring moments where the female islanders band together and rise triumphantly from the ashes of being cruelly dumped, and certainly no cinematic blow-outs after Casa Amor to keep us entertained. Every time a new cast of oiled up, alpha-male himbos appear on screen, viewers find themselves unable to look away from the train-wreck about to unfold. It’s really no surprise when the walking bicep with an accountability allergy turns out to be an unfaithful partner (in other news, fork found in kitchen), but audiences continue to be shocked and outraged at the calibre of man being platformed.
The next time you catch yourself wondering how the producers can keep bringing on such awful male contestants, consider this: If Love Island gave us a cast of well-adjusted, mature and emotionally intelligent men, would anybody still be talking about it?
Kathrynf 
Alexander Hanjin De Filippo 
Eabha Quinn
Really interesting take! The very nature and popularity of the show is balancing on the bad behaviour, drama and arguments that happen throughout – which in turn will probably be its downfall.
Love the sass. I can sense the passion/ hate for love island in ur writing