12 hopeful singles, thrown into a villa in Spain, hooking up, breaking up and making up. When Sophie Mackintosh was experiencing one of the darkest periods of her life, the reality TV show became her obsession. There was something about it that was deeply validating — and kept her coming back. Today: Sophie’s reflections on "Love Island." Plus, Lindsey Underwood, a Styles editor at The New York Times, gives us the lowdown on the show (she’s a superfan). After, Melissa Akie Wiley shares her Tiny Love Story about healing from a childhood trauma — and finding the love and acceptance she had thought was out of reach.
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Anna Martin: From The New York Times,
I'm Anna Martin.
This is Modern Love.
And today's essay is about the TV show 'Love Island.'
There are so many reality dating shows out there,
and 'Love Island' is like a lot of them.
There's a group of single hot people
in very little clothing trying to find a genuine connection.
Archived Recording: I came here to find, like, a genuine connection.
Archived Recording: Genuine connection.
Archived Recording: Genuine connection with someone.
Anna Martin: But the thing about Love Island is that when it's on,
it's on every single day.
Archived Recording: Previously on Love Island.
Anna Martin: There are hours of breaking up and making up and hooking up.
Archived Recording: No, this has got me rattled off.
Archived Recording: Liv obviously licks Tom's ear.
But Tom had to lick a girl.
And Tom picked me.