The 'Love Island' Effect Spurs Debate About Cosmetic Enhancements

Posted By Madilyn Moeller, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Lips with filler


In the United Kingdom, the “'Love Island' effect” has influenced young women to get cosmetic enhancements — and this year, U.S. viewers are noticing.

The popular U.K. reality show “Love Island” returned in early June for its 11th season, and with it has come a renewed wave of concern about the ubiquity and safety of cosmetic procedures and their use by young women.

The show brings together dozens of contestants — or “islanders” — looking for love, friendship and drama, and its associated “‘Love Island’ effect” has for years been the subject of scrutiny for the influence it has on younger viewers, who are known to seek out cosmetic procedures in an effort to chase the aesthetic of the show’s cast.

Speculation around cast members’ appearance and their beauty regimens has become a big part of how many fans engage with the show. However, this year’s female contestants have drawn a particularly strong reaction on social media. Some have said the young women have gone too far in embracing injectables like Botox and dermal filler, which have now become ubiquitous in the U.K.

Read more at NBC News >>