Is Tyler Gaslighting Kaz? Here's What It Means

We see it everywhere: in real-life, in romcoms, and, most recently, in Love Island. Gaslighting.

We literally just witnessed it after Tyler Cruikshank told Kaz Kamwi that he still wanted to 'get to know' her (as we're so used to the boys saying), after he came back from Casa Amor last Friday having re-coupled with Clarisse Juliette.

Sure, we love the drama - but not when it involves someone's self-esteem.

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So, what exactly is gaslighting?

Well, according to Healthline, gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that's seen in abusive relationships. It's "the act of manipulating a person by forcing them to question their own thoughts, memories, and the events occurring around them".

Of course we're not saying the pair are in an abusive relationship - but what we are saying is that Tyler re-coupling could have really affected Kaz's sense of self, and perhaps brought out some insecurities.

So, when Tyler explains that he wants to get to know both Kaz and Clarisse, this could be a really confusing time for Kaz, and one that might make her feel in competition and less-than.

It comes across as though Tyler is playing games - the games being Kaz's emotions here. And playing games can have a negative effect on your mental health.

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Psychologist, Eric Berne defined games to MentalHelp as: "A game is an ongoing series of complementary ulterior transactions progressing to a well-defined, predictable outcome. Descriptively, it is a recurring set of transactions... with a concealed motivation... or gimmick."

And this certainly seems to be a re-occurring theme in the villa.

Let's hope the Islanders are getting adequate emotional support during this series - because judging by the boys' behaviour, they're going to need it.

Topics: Love Island

Hattie Gladwell