BY KAREN BOSSICK

Love—or hate—those romances you see on TV or social media?

The Advocates Every Teen Counts interns have made a short film, “Reel Love,” to shed light on how mainstream media portrays romantic relationships and the impact these portrayals have in real life. The film also encourages viewers to take time to critically analyze stories presented in the mass media to determine their accuracy.

The ETCs will show “Reel Love” at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Ketchum’s Community Library. They will follow the screening with a short discussion.

“From writing, directing, filming, and editing, the ETCs worked tirelessly to create a thought-provoking film that meets teens where they are at.” said Monica Reyna, Violence Prevention Coordinator at The Advocates.

ETC Issy Rossellini noted that movies, TV shows and books are riddled with overexaggerations and untruths about dating relationships, which can normalize unhealthy and toxic behavior for young people who are vulnerable in believing that what they see on screen happens in real life.

“When I was younger, I thought Bella and Edward’s relationship from ‘Twilight’ was ideal. But now that I’m older, I’m noticing the red flags. Like, what was that all about?” said Rossellini.

One in three teenagers experience dating abuse but media that normalizes abusive behaviors can dissuade young people from recognizing that what they’re experiencing is abuse, said ETC Elle Davis.

“Our film starts with two teens who find themselves in conflict. Our protagonist turns to social media as a source of distraction and possibly advice. While scrolling, he sees media representations of relationships that open his eyes to real love versus reel love,” Davis added.

Moxxie Tellez said she had great fun making the film and hopes viewers will take its message to heart.

“In this day and age, it’s important to question everything we see online. It’s important for youth to have the skills to tell what’s real, and what’s not,” added ETC Anna Gilman. “Together, as a community, we can choose real love based on safety, equality, and respect.”

The ETCs are paid interns who work through The Advocates to create positive social change through peer education, awareness campaigns and community events. They have held special events in February to address teen dating abuse for the past 12 years.

Funding their film project was the Nathanial Flanz Family Foundation.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fifty-one percent of American teenagers spend an average of 4.8 hours a day using such social media apps as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X, according to a 2023 Gallup survey of more than 1,500 teenagers.