In the world of show business, romantic comedies or rom-coms have always been a favorite choice for many viewers because they allow uplifting and heartwarming escapades from daily routines into a world of love, laughter, and happiness. Because of this, the movies are well known for enhancing mental health. But recent studies have highlighted the mental health dangers of rom-coms, especially in children and teenagers.
How Do Rom-Coms Boost Mental Health?
Rom-coms boost mental health in several ways. It provides a sense of escapism wherein viewers are taken to a world filled with idealized romance, witty banter, and happy endings. This temporary detachment from life’s complexities might offer a therapeutic break that helps people forget their worries momentarily and indulge in feel-good fantasy.
Another way through which rom-coms boost mental health is through humour, which has a great potential in promoting mental wellbeing among individuals. Laughter while watching rom-coms induces endorphin release and other natural “feel-good” chemicals that promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
Thirdly, rom-coms can be sources of hope, optimism, and inspiration by showing characters who overcome challenges, navigate relationships and finally find true love. In most cases, rom-coms beautifully explore complex mental health themes like depression, anxiety, grief, etc. And provoke conversations. Such positive psychological effects of rom-coms can be beneficial for individuals going through difficult times or experiencing mental health issues related to depression, estrangement, forgiveness, and so forth.
Mental Health Dangers Of Rom-Coms
Despite the fact that rom-coms boost mental health, these may endanger mental health if they are consumed excessively or if people internalize the portrayed unrealistic romantic expectations. One of the mental health dangers of rom-coms comes from the idealized representation of romance and relationships that often give a distorted view of love that does not correspond to reality. This can create false expectations, which make people discontented with their own relationships or with the notion that love should always be easy.
Furthermore, in rom-coms, the perpetuation of gender stereotypes can promote unhealthy relationship dynamics. Conventional gender roles and unrealistic ideals attached to both genders may cause feelings of inferiority and help spread harmful gender norms that undermine mental health.
Mental Health Dangers Of Rom-Coms In Children And Adolescents
Emerging studies show that young viewers such as adolescents and children are more vulnerable to the negative psychological effects of rom-coms. It is important for people in their formative years to develop realistic understandings about relationships, but such portrayals may influence unrealistic expectations. The impacts of media on young minds may assist in forming unhealthy relationship patterns which will later result in dissatisfaction and impaired abilities to form successful relationships!
For instance, rom-coms often romanticize red-flags in relationships or sensationalize mental health. People who take these depictions at their face-value and attempt to replicate them in real-life often end in abusive or dysfunctional relationships. In severe cases, people develop relationship-related mental health disorders like toxic love disorder, extreme codependency, and love addiction amongst others.
Moreover, rom-coms seem to emphasize on physical appearances and superficial aspects that may lead to body image issues among teenagers. Consequently, since beauty standards are constantly being reinforced by it, exposure to rom-coms may trigger a bevy of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, substance use, eating disorders, etc.
Addressing The Negative Psychological Effects Of Rom-Coms
To counterbalance the negative psychological effects of rom-coms, it is important to approach these films with a critical attitude. People are advised to distinguish between fiction and real life, recognizing that often the romantic stories seen on the screen are overdone for fun.
Moreover, media literacy should be emphasized among children and teenagers. Educating people about media’s power in shaping notions about love, romantic relationships, and self-worth can enable them to watch rom-coms responsibly and healthily. It is crucial to acknowledge the mental health dangers of rom-coms and develop well-informed consumption habits and media literacy for a balanced view of love and relationships inherent in classic rom-com portrayals.
