Chapter 1: Understanding Memes and Their Role

In his influential work, The Selfish Gene, biologist Richard Dawkins introduced a concept that has become widely recognized: the meme. Defined as a "unit of cultural transmission," a meme operates similarly to a non-biological gene. Dawkins elaborates that "cultural transmission" mirrors genetic processes in that, while primarily conservative, it can also lead to a form of evolution. Thus, memes act as replicators, ensuring their endurance through qualities reminiscent of the relentless nature of successful genes.

Memes manifest in various forms, including melodies, ideas, popular phrases, fashion trends, and even methods of craftsmanship. Just as genes propagate through reproduction, memes spread from person to person through imitation. For instance, when a scientist discovers a noteworthy idea, they share it with their peers and students, embedding it in their writings and lectures. If the idea resonates, it successfully transmits, proliferating across minds.

The core argument of The Selfish Gene posits that the primary unit of natural selection is not the individual or species, but the gene itself. These genes thrive by programming "survival machines" (such as animals and plants) to act in their own self-interest: "The genes are master programmers, and they are programming for their lives." The effectiveness of these programs is assessed by their ability to navigate the myriad challenges of survival.

In a parallel manner, memes that prove successful replicate themselves, sometimes to the detriment of their host (as seen in the case of cultural celibacy, which leads to a genetic dead-end). Interestingly, selfishness itself can be viewed as a meme—a particularly salient one in cultures that prioritize individualism.

In one of the most popular television shows in such societies, Love Island, this overt selfishness seems more pronounced than in earlier seasons, displayed with almost a zealous fervor:

This video explores how Love Island USA has managed to surpass its UK counterpart, shedding light on the changing dynamics and cultural implications within reality television.

I raise this point not from a standpoint of judgment but to understand the proliferation of this meme. My hypothesis is that contestants often echo phrases from prior seasons, creating a self-referential feedback loop (a concept I have discussed elsewhere). Common phrases like "Can I pull you for a chat?", "Putting all your eggs in one basket," and "It is what it is" are repeated endlessly, largely because they were previously uttered. In this context, such phrases may empower contestants to engage in self-serving behavior, as the meme grants them the freedom to act accordingly. Consequently, this meme thrives and is unconsciously perpetuated across seasons as a strategic approach.

Section 1.1: The Cultural Transmission of Selfishness

The phenomenon of selfishness in Love Island raises intriguing questions about cultural norms and their influence on individual behavior.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of Language in Reality TV

Chapter 2: Meta-Contestants and Self-Referentiality

In this video, contestants from Love Island Series 11 share their experiences, highlighting the interplay of personal narratives and collective behavior within the show.

As we dissect the behavior of contestants, it becomes clear that the language they use not only reflects their individual experiences but also feeds into a larger cultural narrative that prioritizes self-interest.