The Whys Behind EastEnders' Feed of Toxicity and Its Impact on Viewers
Imagine a soap opera that merely reflects the daily lives of ordinary people: waking up, individual tasks, breakfast, work, returning home, preparing dinner, perhaps a night out at the pub, or a relaxing evening in. Would you eagerly watch such a show several nights a week for entertainment? While it is drama, not a documentary, the reality is that most people live mundane lives and seek more thrilling and often toxic elements to satisfy their entertainment demands.
Why People Crave Drama and Conflict in Their Entertainment
People thrive on the drama and excitement found in fiction. Real life can be mundane, with everyday experiences like family arguments, work stress, minor inconveniences, and personal struggles. These events, while real, do not provide the sensational and epic narratives demanded by audiences. Thus, fiction provides a platform to explore exotic and dramatic scenarios that reflect the darker side of human nature and societal issues.
A Reflective Mirror of Real Life in EastEnders
The writers of EastEnders, like many other soap operas, mirror real-life events that occur in the lives of ordinary people. Murders, rapes, assaults, car accidents, insurance fraud, theft, and even tragic illnesses are portrayed as happening to individuals. Such realistic portrayals add authenticity to the storyline, making the show relatable and engaging.
The Entertainment Value of Conflict and Intrigue
The stories in EastEnders, though simplistic, are easy to follow and maintain audience interest with constant conflict and intrigue. Would you spend 10 hours a week just watching people go to work, return home, eat, spend time in a pub, and go to sleep in a repeated pattern for a year? The drama, conflicts, and twists in the storyline keep viewers hooked. The show also includes real-life messages and contact numbers for various helplines, including suicide hotlines and domestic abuse support, ensuring a balance between entertainment and social responsibility.
Manufactured Toxicity for Viewer Satisfaction
One of the reasons why EastEnders portrays such toxic scenarios is that the writers have crafted the fictional Walford to be extremely depressing. They have deliberately made life so bleak that viewers are relieved that their lives are not as toxic. This strategy makes the show a way for people to indulge in and feel better about their own lives by comparing them to the perceived horror of fictional Walford.
EastEnders, like any popular soap opera, serves a dual purpose: it entertains and provides a form of escapism. While some might argue against the presentation of violence and negativity, the show remains a beloved cultural phenomenon, reflecting the aspirations, fears, and desires of a broad audience.