HBO’s Show, ‘The Idol,’ Comes Under Fire from a Psychologist for a Major Issue

Abel Tesfaye, one of the co-creators of The Idol, explains the motivation behind the controversial show: “I wanted to create a dark, twisted fairy tale about the music industry.”

Although Tesfaye has stated that he intended to push boundaries with the show, the tone-deaf discussions about mental health in The Idol lend a harmful veneer of sophistication to problematic understandings of mental illness.

For example, in the pilot, one character defends a photo of the protagonist wearing a hospital band (referencing a recent mental breakdown) by stating, “Mental illness is sexy.” The Idol may not position itself as a guide to living in an ideal world, but it must be aware of its role in perpetuating harmful misconceptions surrounding mental health.

While there is no inherent problem with expressing mental illness through art, artists must approach it sensitively, accurately, and with a commitment to destigmatizing it while the world faces a mental health crisis. The impact extends beyond entertainment, too – a study published in the Journal of Health Communication demonstrates that representations of mental illness on screen can significantly influence the public’s understanding and perception of mental health.

Here are two reasons glamorizing mental illness in pop culture can be detrimental to the fight against poor mental health:

#1. We Tend to Believe What We See on Screen, and It Can Be Triggering

A 2021 study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence analyzed comments on the subreddit r/television related to the show Euphoria, directed by Sam Levinson, who is also the director of The Idol. These comments showed that despite it being a TV show, viewers found the portrayals of mental illness and substance dependence to be realistic and relatable. It also revealed that the on-screen portrayal of substance use and mental illness sometimes triggered viewers.

TV shows can serve as a means of escape, allowing viewers to relate to fictional characters who are flawed and problematic to an extent. Nevertheless, individuals must remember that what they watch can have a subtle yet significant impact on their mental state. One way to protect oneself while viewing potentially harmful portrayals of mental illness is by acknowledging that the real world has consequences. It is crucial to remember that, despite what a fictional character undergoes on screen, the experiences of a real person are far more nuanced and complex.

#2. On-Screen Glorification of Toxic Coping Strategies Can Discourage Help-Seeking Behavior

A study published in Tobacco Control explains how in the 1980s, the tobacco and entertainment industries recognized the benefits of promoting tobacco products in film and TV. Although it is not as glaring as it once was, this relationship still exists, with cigarettes and tobacco becoming common imagery on screen. Another study published in Depression and Anxiety shows that individuals with mood and anxiety disorders are more likely to self-medicate to alleviate their symptoms, which can ultimately lead to substance use disorder.

The on-screen depiction of harmful behaviors like smoking or substance abuse can influence more vulnerable viewers to emulate those behaviors. This self-medication can lead to a cycle where self-medication is more comfortable than seeking professional help.

As viewers, it is crucial to know that suppressing symptoms is not an effective way to deal with mental illness. The symptoms will surface eventually, and attempting to address the core issues while collaborating with a mental health professional who is experienced in dealing with mental illnesses is a better option.

Conclusion

Although the intention behind saying that mental illness is “sexy” may be ironic, artists and creative professionals have an obligation to be tasteful when depicting mental health on screen. As viewers, it is crucial to educate ourselves about the real impact of mental illness and take mature and healthy measures to deal with our struggles.

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