WHY CASA AMOR FROM “LOVE ISLAND” IS MORE THAN REALITY SHOW DRAMA
BY AVERY ST. GEORGE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
Fans of the reality TV show “Love Island” know all about the drama and heartbreak that the Casa Amor episodes have brought to the show. The idea behind sending the show’s male cast members to Casa Amor is to test their connection and loyalty to the girl they are in a relationship with. The show’s long-time viewers know that a visit to Casa Amor usually ends with dishonesty from the men and disappointment from the women.
This scenario, which occurred almost every season, reveals a pattern in male behavior when faced with a test of loyalty. Although Casa Amor only intended to stir up drama, it also revealed much about human nature and one’s less-than-favorable instincts.
Season 6 of “Love Island USA” just recently wrapped up its Casa Amor episodes, and the boys received backlash regarding their actions. Contestants Aaron and Kordell faced the most criticism after being in strong relationships, yet they still became intimate with girls they had just met.
Although “Love Island” is heavily produced and dramatized, it reflected how men act when their partner is absent in real-life circumstances. Many viewers watching the show resonated with Aaron and Kordell’s partners, Kaylor and Serena respectively, because they have also faced similar scenarios.
Both women and men can be unfaithful in romantic relationships, but women are typically less likely. A study on male unfaithfulness by Oxford University estimated that 1 in 5 men have cheated on a romantic partner compared to about 1 in 10 women.
The Casa Amor episodes on “Love Island” exemplified the difference between how men and women act in similar scenarios. The men are typically touchy and flirtatious toward new women while the women are generally respectful and considerate of their partner’s feelings when interacting with new men.
When the Season 6 boys returned to their partners, they were shocked at how upset the girls were. It seemed they had convinced themselves they were doing the right thing and believed their actions were justified.
A study done for the College Student Journal revealed that 54% of men think about sex several times a day compared to only 19% of women. While this does not condone cheating or promiscuous behavior, it may explain why men and women think and act differently when visiting Casa Amor. Men tend to be less emotionally intelligent which can lead to them not considering how their partner will feel about their actions.
While Casa Amor does make for great reality TV, it also acts as a window into the inner workings of men’s and women’s minds when away from their romantic partners. It seems as though men and women have completely different perspectives on Casa Amor and, as a result, people end up getting hurt. “Love Island” Season 6 was no different and put a lot of relationships to the test. Fans will have to see what the rest of the season holds, and if the couples will stay strong or fall apart.
