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Original poster

To think that reality tv has had its day?

94 replies

AlternativePerspective · 15/02/2020 23:21

This isn’t directly about Caroline Flack,but about the fact that her’s is just one in a long succession of contestants on a multitude of reality tv shows have ended up resorting to suicide.

While I don’t think it could necessarily be said that reality tv is responsible for people’s mental health, I think it is fairly evident that people with fragile MH are the people these shows attract, and as such it stands to reason that contestants who have appeared on these shows will b affected by both their appearances and the comments of outsiders.

And love island isn’t the first show. The Jeremy Kyle show was axed last year after a guest committed suicide,

Susan Boyle from BGT had a breakdown and had to spend time in a MH facility,

There have been three love island suicides.

Clearly while these shows are a bit of fun to those who watch them, we should be questioning the kinds of people these shows attract, and asking whether this is really an appropriate way to entertain the public, with people who clearly have MH struggles, many of whom will be pushed to the edge and beyond while the “fans” look on and express horror even though many of them will have been avid viewers.

OP posts:
WombatStewForTea · 15/02/2020 23:24

You know Caroline Flack was the presenter not a contestant right?

Poetryinaction · 15/02/2020 23:26

Yes. I think we're over it now.

Nopointinwednesdays · 15/02/2020 23:26

You know Caroline Flack was the presenter not a contestant right?

^^ this

LoveNote · 15/02/2020 23:26

Long succession of contestants on a multitude of reality tv shows? Where?

LoveNote · 15/02/2020 23:27

Is there proof he other suicides were related to love island? I didn’t think there was..

Original poster
AlternativePerspective · 15/02/2020 23:27

Fair enough, but the point still stands, people on these shows are vulnerable,if they’re not vulnerable they’re clearly happy to be part of the exploitation of those with obvious MH issues. Caroline Flack clearly fell into the former a category.

OP posts:
LoveNote · 15/02/2020 23:29

Everyone in the public eye is ‘vulnerable’.... do you propose all tv ends then?

Original poster
AlternativePerspective · 15/02/2020 23:29

Is there proof he other suicides were related to love island? I didn’t think there was.. do they have to relate to Love island to prove the point that love island clearly attracts people with already fragile mental health?

OP posts:
LoveNote · 15/02/2020 23:32

Does it? How do you know this then?

Mrsjayy · 15/02/2020 23:32

Caroline flack presented reality shows she was also due in court for assault her tragic death was nothing to do with love island , although i think the notion of finding fame on reality tv is wrong.

Theraincloud8 · 15/02/2020 23:34

I hope so cos they are shite. Who the fuck watches crap like this?

PinkiOcelot · 15/02/2020 23:36

The majority of reality TV is absolutely shite, so YADNBU!

Original poster
AlternativePerspective · 15/02/2020 23:37

I hope so cos they are shite. Who the fuck watches crap like this? the people who say they’re just a bit of lighthearted entertainment I suppose.

Agree with you on that score though. Couldn’t believe they actually went to two series this year, although the papers are now speculating that it’s going to be axed.

OP posts:
Tillygetsit · 15/02/2020 23:39

I think the media are to blame more than reality tv or the "fragile" people it apparently attracts. The gutter press hounded that girl, vilified her. Now they're all wringing their hands and calling her inspirational.

LoveNote · 15/02/2020 23:40

Get rid of strictly too, X factor, and skating on ice

Mayorquimby2 · 15/02/2020 23:42

Because musicians, sports stars and actors have never struggled with game, depression, substance abuse and suicide

Doyoumind · 15/02/2020 23:43

I don't care as I don't watch them but the general public seems to have an appetite for watching people humiliate themselves. The producers exploit this. The media further exploit it. Everyone is to blame. If people didn't watch them we wouldn't have them. It's supply and demand.

LoveNote · 15/02/2020 23:43

We should get rid of all soaps whilst we are at it too

juneybean · 15/02/2020 23:44

This is not another love island suicide. She was a deeply unhappy woman who was also due in court in a few weeks.

WorraLiberty · 15/02/2020 23:44

Yes but can't you say the same about lots of people in the public eye?

Film stars, rock stars, TV presenters etc.

Actually, take any career of any type and there will be people who have struggled with their mental health and sadly committed suicide.

We only get to hear about the famous ones because they're famous.

Sadly, people commit suicide every single day from all walks of life.

LoveNote · 15/02/2020 23:45

People have always loved watching people humiliate themselves....look back to 80’s tv with it’s a knockout,‘tis was, you’ve been framed etc

AutumnRose1 · 15/02/2020 23:48

I wish, but I doubt it.

FoamingAtTheUterus · 15/02/2020 23:48

It ruins lives because it makes people without a talent very famous and identifiable. It makes getting a job so hard unless they're already in a familiar industry and everything they do is highlighted for years. If they get a job flipping burgers they're ridiculed for it........and the opening of nightclubs will soon dry up.

I think the likes of love island has long had its day and should have been pulled when the first in their long line of suicides happened.

WorraLiberty · 15/02/2020 23:52

Is 2 contestants a 'long line'?

I mean obviously it's tragic but I don't think you can realistically call it a long line.

Sparklesocks · 15/02/2020 23:56

Where do we draw the line though?
Is it just ‘structured reality’ shows we would pull like made in Chelsea, love island etc - or all reality tv? Talent shows? Gogglebox? Four in a bed?
I absolutely agree that producers should provide support and preparation for contestants - they need to be aware of the realities of ‘fame’ and how life changing it is, and then how hard it can be when it fades. Additionally they should have access to support if they are receiving abuse online. But I’m not sure if the answer is as simple as cancelling all reality tv shows.