Outcry Against Netflix’s ‘Love Is Blind’ Reality Dating Show Emotionally Abusive, Say Critics

“Love is Blind” has been criticized as emotionally distressing and abusive for contestants, according to Dr. Isabelle Morley, a licensed clinical psychologist and critic of the so-called social experiment.

Dr. Morley, who has a private practice in Massachusetts, discussed this in Psychology Today’s Love It or Leave It blog, after speaking with two former contestants who wished to remain anonymous.

“Contestants on Love Is Blind sign a contract that clearly explains the possible experiences they may have as a result of being on the show,” Dr. Morley writes. “However, although the show openly acknowledges that contestants could experience some distress because of the way they are edited and portrayed, it doesn't provide accessible psychological support or financial reimbursement for therapy.

“Contestants are well informed of what to expect should they choose to participate, but it still begs the question: Why do reality television shows involve this degree of possible emotional harm?”

She continued, “And it's not just possible harm. I spoke with two former contestants who told me that they felt manipulated, pressured, unsupported, and then cast aside once filming was over. One left after 10 days of blind dating, while another made it all the way to the altar.”

Dr. Morley spoke with the two unidentified contestants, both of whom claimed there were emotional challenges that come along with being on the reality show, following a 2022 lawsuit filed by Season 2’s Jeremy Hartwellwho claimed alcohol was pushed onto contestants, they were sometimes deprived access to water, food or sleep, and they were paid less than minimum wage.

One contestant recounted to Dr. Morley that there were no “on-set counselors.” This made it difficult for contestants to get help elsewhere since they weren’t allowed to have their phones on hand.

However, contestants were allowed to request to speak with their own therapists after scheduling a session through the producers. The contestants were also not allowed to speak with their family or friends throughout the filming.

“The contestants I spoke to claim that they suffered lasting psychological damage as a result of their experiences, including anxiety, anger, trust issues with romantic partners, and low self-esteem,” Dr. Morley explained.

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One of the contestants also told Dr. Morley that the friendly connections made on the show stemmed from being “traumatized.” However, the show isn’t paying for the therapy contestants undergo afterward.

“Reality dating producers should stop misleading contestants with the fairy-tale promise that a lucky few of them could meet the love of their life,” Dr. Morley adds. “Instead, they need to acknowledge that their ‘social experiments’ are really tests of the limits of human fortitude.”

According to Dr. Morley, the show’s producers, “legally speaking,” have no ethical obligation to its contestants.

“It’s hard to see abuse when it’s happening to you, and it’s hard to get out of an abusive situation even when you see it. It’s even harder to get out of an abusive relationship when there’s pressure to stay, such as being filmed or being put on the spot on your wedding day,” she explained.

“The show allowed this to occur without apparent repercussions (that we saw, at least) and doubled down during the [Season 3] reunion. Watching Matt’s behavior was hard, but watching the Lacheys milk the drama for all it was worth at the expense of Colleen’s safety was even worse.”

Dr. Morley recommends that next season the show hires a psychologist for contestants, gets involved when there’s abuse, protects the welfare of contestants, and promotes the Domestic Violence Hotline or other resources.

Meanwhile, Kinetic Content, the production company of “Love is Blind,” said in a statement earlier this year, according to US Magazine, “The well-being of our participants is of paramount importance to Kinetic.”

“We have rigorous protocols in place to care for each person before, during, and after filming.”

Mental Health: The Basics

The term mental health refers to both our emotional and psychological well-being. Our mental health can affect how we think, feel, and behaveand certain triggers like stress, traumatic events, a change in your physical health, or, apparently, even taking part in a reality TV show can affect mental health.

It's really important to always be aware of your mental health and to seek treatment when necessary. This doesn't specifically mean traditional therapy, since although it may be really helpful (even life-changing) for some, that doesn't mean it's for everyone.

Responding to Stress: How to Cope With Complex & Changing Emotions

Problems with mood and overall mental well-being can be attributed to several factors. For some people, it's genetic, while others may be experiencing a response to some sort of stressor or past trauma.

To be on top of your mental health, you need to be aware of signs which can be subtle that there is something affecting your mind. These signs include:

• A change in eating or sleeping habits
• Losing interest in people or usual activities
• Experiencing little or no energy
• Numb and/or hopeless feelings
• Turning to drinking or drugs more than usual
• Non-typical angry, upset, or on-edge feelings
• Yelling/fighting with loved ones
• Experiencing mood swings
• Intrusive thoughts
• Trouble getting through daily tasks

These symptoms can vary from person to person. Everyone experiences grief differently, for example. But if you are feeling unusually sad, on edge, or like you're no longer interested in activities you used to love, know that there are many treatment options available and many different healthy ways to help you cope.

Treatment for Mental Health

There’s a wide range of treatments available for people struggling with mental health.

While some people may benefit from speaking with a psychologist and getting on medication, others see great improvement by simply implementing some lifestyle changes, like focusing on exercise and reducing alcohol consumption.

RELATED: You Just Have to Let it Out: Survivor Evelyn Reyes-Beato on Healing Emotionally

Anyone struggling with mental health should know that they are not alone in fact, approximately one in five American adults has experienced some sort of mental health issue, according to mentalhealth.gov.

However, the methods that have helped someone else cope may not necessarily help you as treatment must be individualized.

How To Manage Anxiety During High-Stress Times ‘You're Asking Yourself a Question, But You Can't Find The Answer’

To maintain a positive mindset and address mental health struggles you may be having, treatment may include:

• Seeking professional help from a psychiatrist or therapist
• Learning healthy coping skills
• Medication such as antidepressants
• Adding more physical activity to your routine
• Adjusting your sleep schedule
• Connecting with others via support groups
• Mindfulness and meditation

Dr. Scott Irwin, A Psychiatrist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Explains How Talk Therapy Can Help

If a stressful event is affecting how you think and feel, it may be time to seek some sort of mental health treatment. This could mean traditional talk therapy, medication, changing lifestyle habits (like exercise and diet), seeking out a support group, or many other approaches.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• What can I do if my emotions begin to feel overwhelming?
• Are there approaches that don't involve traditional therapy?
• Should I consider medication such as antidepressants?
• What are the potential side effects should I decide to begin medication?’

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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