Nothing stirs up excitement like a love triangle. Since the hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty premiered on Amazon Prime, fans have been buzzing with opinions, especially around the love lives of characters Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. This series, adapted from Jenny Han’s popular novels, has taken social media by storm, leading to heated debates between “Team Conrad” and “Team Jeremiah.”
With the third and final season set to drop, the show made a notable announcement: fans should keep their enthusiasm within respectful bounds. In a public service message, they emphasized a strict “zero tolerance” policy against bullying and hate speech aimed at cast members or the community. This cautionary approach seems essential in today’s digital age, where fan interactions can turn toxic quickly.
Abigail De Kosnik, a professor at UC Berkeley, pointed out that the relationship between media producers and fans is constantly evolving. “Networks are trying to create safe spaces while keeping their popular shows,” she said. In recent years, high-profile cases of cyberbullying have led other shows, like Love Island USA, to issue similar warnings.
Statistics show that online harassment has become a more pressing issue. According to a recent survey by the Cyberbullying Research Center, nearly 37% of young people aged 12-17 have been subjected to cyberbullying at some point. As fandoms grow in size, the dialogue around responsible engagement becomes even more critical.
The popularity of The Summer I Turned Pretty surged after its first season, quicklybecoming the most-watched show on Prime Video when it launched in 2022. In just three weeks, the hashtag #TheSummerITurnedPretty racked up over 1.3 billion views on TikTok, showcasing the immense fan engagement surrounding it. However, with such popularity came scrutiny, with some fans expressing harsh opinions about the actors, especially following the second season’s release.
Criticism targeted not just the story but also the individuals portraying these beloved characters. For instance, Elsie Fisher, who plays Skye, faced a barrage of online abuse, misgendering, and hurtful remarks from fans, which Jenny Han addressed publicly, reminding followers that such toxicity undermines the show’s message.
Online reactions have highlighted the blurred lines between fandom appreciation and harmful behavior. TikTok users have voiced their concerns about how deep some fans dive into these parasocial relationships, often forgetting the humanity behind the characters and actors they idolize.
Moreover, social trends show a shift towards a more supportive approach among fans. Some have begun to push back against negativity, encouraging kindness and respect. This was echoed by creators from the show, who requested that fans appreciate the story and its characters without resorting to threats or intimidation.
As the new season drops, it’s clear that the show’s creators are focused on cultivating a positive environment among their audience. Fans have already begun sharing reactions on social media, bringing a mix of excitement and renewed hope for their favorite love story.
Ultimately, as De Kosnik noted, producers are realizing the importance of setting “guardrails” to protect both the characters and the talented individuals who bring them to life—a vital move in an age where social media amplifies voices, both good and bad. The overarching message? Let’s celebrate the story, the characters, and the connections they inspire—kindness goes a long way.
