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The Last Word With Matt Cooper

Is Love Island Promoting Unrealistic Body Ideals?

The reality show Love Island has been attracting huge viewing figures in Ireland as well as the UK,...
TodayFM
TodayFM

5:28 PM - 2 Jul 2018



The Last Word With Matt Cooper

Is Love Island Promoting Unrealistic Body Ideals?

TodayFM
TodayFM

5:28 PM - 2 Jul 2018

Listen to this episode



The reality show Love Island has been attracting huge viewing figures in Ireland as well as the UK, but there are questions about whether it promotes unrealistic body ideals.

One female contestant, who is proving very popular with the men on the show, has spent £25,000 on cosmetic surgery since the age of 14 - is this an unhealthy message to be sending out about people's ideas of attractiveness?

Douglas McGeorge, former president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, says that getting plastic surgery "doesn't necessarily mean you'll make relationships any easier."

He also says that excessive surgeries can "take away from an individual's character and make them look odd rather than improving their appearance", and that shows like Love Island often take advantage of people's insecurities.

Rachel Hosie, Assistant Lifestyle Editor with the Independent UK, has been watching Love Island almost every night but sees problems with it.

"The main demographic is teenage and young women, and we all know that young women are incredibly impressionable."

"They're only showing one body size, and it gives the impression that this is the only way to be attractive or worthy of love."

Psychotherapist Stella O'Malley adds that Love Island is "cementing the idea that if you look good, the world is your oyster, and if you don't, you're of no value. It's a depressing message."

To catch the full chat press the play button on the image on the top of the screen


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