Fictional romantic pairings derived from 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' should be kept within the realm of imagination by devoted fans.
In the world of popular romance-based shows, "The Summer I Turned Pretty" on Amazon Prime Video has recently found itself at the centre of a heated debate among fans. The show, based on Jenny Han's beloved books, has garnered a massive following, with its characters Belly Conklin, Jeremiah Fisher, and Conrad Fisher capturing hearts worldwide.
However, the show's popularity has also led to a love triangle storyline that has sparked a battle between "Team Jeremiah" and "Team Conrad" fans online. This online war has unfortunately resulted in hateful comments directed at Elsie Fisher, who plays Skye in Season 2 of the show. Comments such as "annoying", "cringey", "ugly", and misgendering have been reported.
In response to this hateful behaviour, the show's social media accounts issued a Public Service Announcement (PSA), asking fans to keep the conversation kind this summer. The PSA comes after similar guidance was issued by the show "Love Island USA" in response to cyberbullying toward contestants.
Networks, platforms, and producers are increasingly trying to put guardrails around their shows to protect the talent and performers. Measures to address bullying and hate speech include community guidelines and effective moderation, educational content, collaboration with advocacy groups, reevaluating user anonymity, and engaging influencers and stars to promote positive fan engagement.
Tung, one of the cast members, warned fans about making threats due to their attachment to the characters. Jenny Han, the author of the books, also addressed the hateful comments on her Instagram story. The show's creators have made it clear that they will not tolerate bullying and hate speech, with a "ZERO tolerance policy" in place.
Fans who engage in hate speech, bullying, targeting cast or crew, or harassing or doxxing community members will be banned from the "Summer" community. This strong message is a step towards creating a more respectful and inclusive environment for all fans of the show.
Thousands of fans have posted TikTok videos analysing scenes and dissecting character decisions in an active Reddit thread dedicated to the show. While the increased engagement is a testament to the show's popularity, it also highlights the need for such a PSA. TikTok user bookbeedani expressed concern about the increased parasocial behaviour of fans and the potential alteration of the book's ending.
As the show anticipates heightened engagement following the release of Season 3, it serves as a reminder for fans to engage in respectful and positive discussions. Other fans, like TikTok creator thesimplysimone, compared the situation to "Love Island USA" and expressed gladness about the PSA.
In broader discussions about regulating speech, the balance between free speech and hate speech is crucial. Organizations like the UN emphasize the importance of protecting freedom of expression while condemning hate speech that incites violence or discrimination. As platforms navigate how to moderate content without stifling legitimate discussion, the PSA issued by "The Summer I Turned Pretty" serves as a significant step towards fostering a more positive and respectful fan culture.
Books and social media have been intertwined in the heated debate surrounding the popular show "The Summer I Turned Pretty," with fans engaging in a East Coast-West Coast-style feud between "Team Jeremiah" and "Team Conrad" on various platforms. However, this intense online engagement has unfortunately led to hateful comments directed at actress Elsie Fisher on social media, causing the show's social media accounts to issue a Public Service Announcement (PSA) asking fans to keep the conversation kind.
