The fact that a person formerly introduced in Iranian television segments as an exemplary or “elite” youth has since appeared on an overseas reality dating show has been the kernel of why Rambod’s participation generated so much attention. For many viewers in the Iranian diaspora and on social platforms, the contrast between the sober “expert / student” image and the highly personal, sometimes sensational context of reality TV created surprise and strong reactions. Coverage and social posts repeatedly emphasize that contrast.
