It’s a “Love Island USA” summer. Everybody and their moms (literally) are tuning in almost everyday to watch America’s new sweethearts find their next match. Except, this year it seems a little different. What used to be a show about America’s young, hot singles finding their next true love has become all about, well, clout. These contestants aren’t competing for love anymore – but Instagram followers. And, we can all tell.
Season six of “Love Island USA,” which premiered last summer, is what truly put the US version of this reality show on the map. Americans quickly fell in love with the castmates. They were messy and flawed in a way that felt real, fueling a chaotic season where every viewer could spot at least one Islander who felt a bit like themselves. Once leaving the villa, many of these contestants rose to fame. They were featured on podcasts and earned brand deals; they were able to become full time influencers because of the show. The impact of “Love Island USA” in terms of star-power could not be ignored.
The Season seven Islanders feel calculated. They understand the influence the show can have on their careers, and they are gunning to become the next fan-favorite. Every move, every conversation, every recoupling has nothing to do with finding the best connection. It’s about curating an image. The spontaneity is gone – every moment feels performative.
And the chaos is what we, as viewers, used to love! No one wants to watch Cierra not care that Nic kissed her best friend. We are tired of Ace playing the hero. The three girls (iykyk) are not the new PPG. Bring back the crazy! We can tell that the Islanders’ intentions aren’t genuine.
Today, we are too savvy to be fooled. Our entire online world is about sniffing out authenticity over performativity. We can easily spot when the contestants are just a little too aware that they are on national television. The best moments of “Love Island USA” are when people act with real emotions (that’s why Amaya is everyone’s favorite), not fake storytelling. Viewers want drama they can actually believe, not just a bunch of wanna influencers performing.
