The ‘Love Island’ contestants’ social media accounts were deleted during season 9 as the rules of caution were tightened

island of love Participants’ social media accounts will be deleted for the duration of the upcoming winter season and they will receive “guidance and training on how to behave in mutually respectful relationships” following thousands of complaints earlier this year.

For the first time in the show’s history, Winter Season 9 will require contestants to pause all activity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and nothing will be posted on their behalf.

Usually, while the islanders are in the mansion, their accounts are monitored by friends, family members or PR professionals for support and to build their brand.

“The bold decision to suspend the islanders’ social media activities during the new series is a testament to ITV’s serious intentions, particularly as this placement both strengthens the show’s appeal and is a potential source of mental health issues,” said Dr Matthew Gould, a psychologist who consults on the Lifted Entertainment program.

The “enhanced safeguards” described by Gould also include giving contestants “guidance and training on mutually respectful behavior in relationships” before the start of the show. They also get links to resources to help them identify negative behavior in relationships and understand patterns related to controlling and enforcing behavior.

While complaints to regulator Ofcom have ended island of love was significantly lower this year than in 2021, but thousands still came forward about “alleged misogyny and bullying” aimed at female candidates, as Women’s Aid contacted executives after several episodes raised concerns. One episode was the most complained about of the year with 2,630 people contacting Ofcom.

All other safeguards for the ITV entertainment expansion remain in place, including measures introduced last year where contributors offered video training and guidance on inclusive language relating to disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity and microaggression.

Before appearing on the show, potential Islanders will also watch a video co-directed by the show’s Executive Producer and Head of Welfare, and interview former Islanders about their experiences with the show.

A series of follow-ups ensures that each islander offers at least eight therapy sessions upon their return home, and producers contact them for 14 months after the series.

Britain’s TV prudence bill came into being in 2019 when a contestant appeared on an episode of the now-defunct show The Jeremy Kyle Show committed suicide. Two island of love Contestants have also committed suicide within two years of appearing on the show, Sophie Gradon in 2018 and Mike Thalassitis the following year.

Season 9 takes place in South Africa and is only the UK’s second winter offering island of love revival and reflects the continued success of the show. It will also be the first hosted by Maya Jama, who replaces Laura Whitmore.