Stop Looking at the Cameras

With Love Island UK season 12 having just come to an end, there’s something that I’ve noticed has been occurring. As being part of a reality show, the cast of Love Island are expected to adhere to a number of rules, one of these rules being: don’t acknowledge the cameras.

This doesn’t just apply to Love Island, it’s a pretty basic understanding between viewers, participants, and producers. This is probably why it felt so uncomfortable to watch one of the islanders this season, Dejon, arguing with the girl he was coupled up with, Meg, near the end of the season.

There was several mentions of him believing she was ‘making him look bad in front of the cameras’ and then the next night, he attempts to make up with her and they sit in silence as he glances directly at the camera.

Earlier that week, an islander who had left and then returned had told him who the viewers were favouring when it came to the winners (which did not include him or Meg), and it was like a switch had flipped in his brain.

It was very surreal, watching someone seemingly realise they aren’t going to win the 50k in real time.

A main aspect of the show is that the islanders are completely cut off from the outside world, having no access to the internet and viewer’s perceptions – aside from the occasional viewer vote in which the least favourite islanders leave.

 It seems like in the last few seasons of the show, this concept has been thrown out the window – this season in particular.

Producers, who once preached the importance of maintaining the illusion of reality when it comes to camera acknowledgement and outside influence, are leaving it in, for the sake of maintaining drama and doctored storylines, contributing to a misogynistic culture within the villa – which is a whole separate conversation.

The point is there’s no denying the online fame that comes with being on a season of Love Island. Whether you were on the show for 3 days or 8 weeks, you can anticipate your social media accounts to be flooded with attention. Staying till the end of Love Island can practically guarantee you a large following, brand deals, and invitations to exclusive events.

While I do believe it’s natural to be concerned about public perception and there is no denying that the public can be brutal, this increased awareness and the way it is influencing how some islanders are interacting and going about their time on the show is interesting.

It’s coming across as inauthentic and does make me question their intentions.

Whether contestants are applying for the chance to find love, social media fame, or a combination of both, I’m interested to see what the future of Love Island looks like in the booming age of social media careers and stardom.

And also, please stop looking at the cameras; it’s freaking us all out.