Love Island Season 7 has been portrayed as Friendship Island. As a viewer from Season 1 filmed in 2019, I have seen the changes within the show, how people really like to get to know each other and join the show to find love.
When I watched the new season this past summer, marked as the seventh season, it seemed more performative and fake than in previous seasons. Such as contestences prioritizing fame over love, Season 7 was filled with so much drama, and it just seemed like everyone stayed with one person and didn’t get to know anyone else. In other seasons, everyone got to know each other and came there for love and not friendship. Overall, the joke all around the internet about Season 7 was “Friendship Island”. It seemed like people were more worried about making alliances with other cast members rather than making real love connections. In Season 1, even up till Season 6, the season from last year, people really were there for love, and even multiple couples are still together. They actually liked each other and got to know each other. Couples went through a bunch of struggles in Season 6, compared to Season 7, there were no true couples, and it seemed that every member was there for fame, you could tell. Dreanah Scrivner, “I think Love Island has become more performative because they have increased the amount of money you win, and people are starting to go on there for fame and to win the prize.”
The main part of this change comes from social media. The islanders are aware of how they are seen online, which affects the behavior within the villa. Many people come off a certain way, so after the show, they can gain fame on different platforms. Mind and Body Counseling Associates says, “Misinterpreting comments, likes, or connections on social media may spark feelings of distrust and lead to unnecessary conflicts.” This shows that Islanders put on an act in front of the camera and prioritize self-fame over the meaning of Love Island, which is to find love. In conclusion, Love Island has changed from being romantic and fun to just coming on the show for fame or money. Season 7 proved that the Islanders are more focused on their appearance than making genuine connections.
