5 Mental Health Insights from ‘Love Island USA’

Whether you’re a Love Island superfan or you’ve never seen an episode, the reality dating show has likely wormed its way into your consciousness over the last couple of months. Season 7 of the US version of the franchise has been one of the most talked-about shows this year—everywhere from TikTok to the New York Times. The season wrapped up on Sunday, with a romcom-worthy finale celebrating two of the most beloved cast members. 

Unlike other reality shows, like The Bachelor or Survivor, Love Island airs almost in real time: The episodes are released only a day or two after they’re filmed, with new ones dropped six nights a week. That quick turnaround allows viewers to weigh in on the unfolding drama, and even to influence its arc, as they did in pivotal ways this season. 

The show, which premiered in the United Kingdom a decade ago before crossing the pond in 2019, didn’t set out be serious or thought-provoking. A comedian narrates the action, and the cast participates in nonsensical “challenges” that involve minimal skill (unless kissing counts as a skill). But in some ways, Love Island offers a microcosm of the Gen Z experience, illuminating the shared challenges and the emotional highs and lows of young adulthood. 

What You’ll Learn

• How does reality TV reflect young adults’ mental health struggles?
• Why are young adults on Love Island and in real life crashing out so much?
• What insights can we take away from the show?
• When should young adults seek treatment for mental health?

Here are five mental health insights from Love Island USA.

1. Young adults are crashing out

Living in a villa on Fiji for six weeks might sound like the ultimate R&R. But the Islanders (as they’re referred to on the show) face stressors that many young adults experience in their daily lives, like mental exhaustion, overwhelm, and lack of sleep. Plus, like their peers who aren’t on TV, they often struggle with self-esteem, comparing themselves to others, and feeling left out.

All of this led to lots of crashing out in the villa. The term refers to emotional outbursts and impulsive behavior, triggered by stress, frustration, and other intense feelings. In fact, the phrase “crashing out” was used so often by the contestants on the show that the producers created a challenge based on it. Cast member Huda Mustafa went through the most severe crashouts, elicited by her up-and-down relationship with Jeremiah Brown—to the point that she was nicknamed “Hurricane Huda” by another contestant. 

2. Male friendships are powerful (and so are women’s)

Some of the most poignant moments of the show highlighted the importance of male friendships—or “bromances,” in Love Island parlance. Men embraced each other, cried when one of “the boys” left the villa, and talked openly about how much they cared about one another. Those examples of vulnerability and connection are especially meaningful in a time when only 1 in 5 men report receiving social support from guy friends.

The women’s friendships were powerful, too, as they supported each other in navigating rocky relationships, jealousy, and competition. And while this season had the usual share of low-stakes conflict, the women seemed to forgive and move on more easily than cast members have in the past. Only a dozen or so couples who met on the show over the years have sustained long-term romantic relationships, but the friendships they make endure. 

3. Social media can be toxic and scary

On the Love Island franchise, viewers have more exposure to the cast, and more power to influence their lives, than on most reality shows. Audiences literally decide who will stay, who will go, and, ultimately, who will win, by voting for their favorite and least-favorite couples. But their emotional involvement with the cast can goes too far. This season, online harassment of various cast members on social media platforms got so bad that the show issued a warning, reminding the audience that the Islanders are real people and asking them to “be kind and spread the love.” 

Cyberbullying doesn’t just happen to reality TV stars, however. A survey released in June 2025 by the Cyberbullying Research Center found that 1 in 3 teens has been a victim of online bullying, and the Center notes that “cyberbullying is not just an adolescent problem.” Furthermore, the psychological impact can be far-reaching. A June 2025 study published in the journal Lancet found that young people who were victimized online were twice as likely to experiment with substances, and three times as likely to engage in suicidal behaviors. While most young adults are likely not going to get off the apps any time soon, reducing social media use can enhance their mood and quality of life.

4. Communication is hard 

Most romcoms would be over in 20 minutes if the protagonists actually sat down and had a conversation. Their miscommunication drives the plot forward. But on Love Island USA this season, the heroes and heroines didn’t have that excuse for their failure to communicate. With a few notable exceptions, they struggled to share what they were really feeling and to express their sadness or disappointment without slipping into blaming mode. 

That’s understandable, because it’s not easy to communicate calmly and clearly in romantic or other relationships—even when you’ve known someone for years rather than days. One of the show’s best models of thoughtful communication was provided by the Islanders Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen, who became a couple late in the season. In several conversations (including one in which they decided not to pursue a romantic connection, a decision they later reversed), they were kind, self-aware, and honest with one another. The lesson: Let’s all keep working on our communication skills so we can be like Nicolandria someday.

5. Being your authentic self is always the winning move

Amaya Espinal, a 25-year-old cardiac nurse, first arrived on the show in Episode 4 as a “bombshell”—an addition to the cast meant to shake up the established couples. She didn’t have an easy time of it at first, but fans gravitated toward her positive affirmations, self-love, and resilience. When some of the men in the villa reacted negatively to her big emotions and affectionate personality, Amaya came back with the now-iconic line, “If I’m not your cup of tea, don’t drink it.”

In the end, Amaya’s authenticity, vulnerability, and big heart won over contestant Bryan Arenales, as well as the viewers. In the finale, the two were crowned the Season 7 winners and awarded the $100,000 prize to split. It was the perfect moral to the story: Stay true to yourself, and good things will come.

How Newport Institute Supports Young Adults

At Newport Institute, we understand the challenges that come with young adulthood, and we’re here to make it easier. Our treatment for depression, anxiety, substance use, PTSD, and other mental health issues focuses on helping young adults develop self-worth and build trusting connections with peers and family. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with painful emotions or memories, finding it hard to get up in the morning, or experiencing a sense of hopelessness or fear, we can help. We’ll provide resources, support, and treatment options. Get in touch today to set up a call.