This morning, Love Island released a short video on Twitter introducing the brand-new batch of Islanders to the world. We know the drill by now: one by one they sit in front of a colourful animated background and give us one-liners about their dating history, turn-ons and icks. Now, some of their answers can be slightly exaggerated – it is an entertainment show after all.
Unfortunately, the initial reaction from Twitter has been less than favourable. Comments have included, ‘They’re not hot enough’ to ‘No personality’ and ‘So underwhelming.’ Individually the Islanders have had screen time of about 10 seconds each and already the negative comments have started.
Of course, we are all entitled to our opinions but, when it comes to the Islanders, Twitter can sometimes be a bit too reactive. If they blink wrong, they’re pinpointed. This happens every year – can we just give them time for their full personalities to shine before the judgement?
I know that some fans believe pausing the Islanders social media accounts takes away the magic of online conversation but, with hindsight, it is already proving to be for the best. The Twitter timeline will always carry the conversations and provide the memes but this time there will be less pressure on the family and friends of the Islanders. It’s simple: less focus on the Islanders' social profiles hopefully means they will also get less hate in their personal inboxes.
In the past, the initial promo videos have stirred up lots of emotions and opinions. For example, series 7’s Chloe Burrows' 'partial to a married man' comment started an onslaught of abuse towards her family and friends running her accounts, but she ended up being the most loved Islander by the end. I’m all for a character arc, but I don’t think the fact she ended up being a loved Islander by the public justifies the horrible online abuse she was subjected to at the start. You can dislike an islander and not send hatred. My worry is that we’re just witnessing the usual pattern forming online where the initial reaction appears to be throwaway comments at first, but later opens the floodgates for abuse.
I really hoped that the new social media rule would set a precedent and fans would take note. After the documentaries, viewers know just how much these comments go on to affect the Islanders long after the show. Former Islander Faye Winter admitted that, a year on, she still can't leave the house on her own due to the backlash to her outbursts and the effect it had on her mental health. Fans of the show know the impact on the Islanders' mental health and it shouldn’t have to be repeated every year. The new rule will also hopefully allow the show to attract people who care more about the premise of finding love rather than the lucrative deals that come after it.
I think the internet also needs to stop comparing the new cast to previous Islanders and declaring that 'no one will ever live up to them.' No, there will never be another Ekin-Su or Indiyah Polack, and that’s a good thing. We don’t want copies of previous islanders, we want new personalities and stories to fall in love with – that’s what the show is all about. I actually think the new Islanders come across as very down to earth. We also have a dynamic new host in MayaJama and After Sun panel featuring former Islander Indiyah and Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson.
Let's give this year's Islanders a bit of grace – at least let episode one air.
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