After Love Island UK Sees Tragic Deaths Of Three, Should Malta Be Concerned?

As Love Island Malta continues to captivate the island, some are wondering whether lessons can be learned when it comes to the serious mental health effects the show had on previous participants in international editions.

“Everyones shooting comments left and right, about him and her… I hope you know that three people in the UK committed suicide over the comments they began receiving. No one is forcing you to watch it, so if you don’t want to watch it, there’s so many other stations,” one person asked online.

“If you’re watching the show keep the negative comments to yourself, you know that no good will come out of them, so simply don’t comment.”

This comment garnered over 1,300 reactions whilst 200 people commented, shedding light on what online bullying can do.

Since the show’s debut, comments have ranged from congratulating the efforts and confidence it takes to make it to this TV reality show, to debatable rumours, sexist slurs and harsh remarks in general.

Love Island UK has seen the saddening suicides of two participants and one host between 2019 to 2020. Participants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis and host Catherine Flack all took their own lives.

The deaths were attributed to poor health and lifestyle conditions, but it’s impossible to ignore the daily harassment and negative comments they faced, and how it would affect them.