Unlike the majority of dating reality shows, which are recorded months in advance, Love Island USA airs in real time, providing a live inside look into not just the nation’s attitudes towards sexuality and dating, but who deserves to be on reality television.
While last season produced a cast of household favorites, this season has not been the case. In an attempt to curb negative fan responses, an anti-cyberbullying message was released ahead of the June 24 episode. “The keyword in Love Island is…Love. We love our fans. We love our Islanders. We don’t love cyberbullying, harassment, or hate.”
Despite the ongoing backlash, season 7 is the most watched season of Love Island USA thus far, notching record-breaking streaming audiences and a massive increase in social media engagements. Plus, programming such as Love Island: Beyond The Villa, the first Love Island USA spinoff, reflects significant investment in the brand by Peacock.
Indeed, the streamer has invested heavily in ensuring that Americans watch the Islanders’ every move. But what happens when this magnifying lens begins to reflect negatively on the Islanders?
Around the world, numerous Love Island franchises have demonstrated a worrying trend: when Islanders leave the villa and their 15 minutes of fame are over, they often face online hatred and vitriol for life.
Vanna Einerson, who briefly appeared on the current season during Casa Amor, broke down in tears after she read comments from fans about her physical appearance. Amy Hart, a contestant on season 5 of Love Island in the U.K. testified in front of Parliament after she received death threats from viewers. Kendall Washington, a finalist on season 6 of Love Island USA, was subjected to homophobic remarks online, after explicit videos of him were released without his consent.
