These Rules Reveal What Life on The Bachelor is Really Like

Contestants don’t always get to control their belongings. Producers can confiscate things they think will cause leaks or distractions — from cell phones to journals. The idea is to keep everyone in the same headspace and stop contestants from sneaking outside communication.

This power imbalance reinforces how much control production has. Contestants quickly learn their comfort items aren’t guaranteed, and everything they do is on the show’s terms. It’s part of what makes the experience feel both immersive and, at times, claustrophobic.