The article by Lucy Dolan-Zalaznick in British Vogue examines the intense and often misleading online reactions to With Love, Meghan, a new show from Meghan Markle. The piece sheds light on how internet culture, particularly meme culture and viral commentary, distorts reality by taking small, often benign moments and inflating them into scandals. It critiques how online discourse, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, twists narratives to fit pre-existing biases or simply to generate engagement, often at the expense of truth.

The article begins by detailing the backlash Meghan Markle received over seemingly trivial actions in her show—such as repackaging store-bought pretzels into a smaller bag, arranging cut fruit into a rainbow, and discussing fashion choices with her friend Mindy Kaling. To some, these moments appeared harmless or even relatable. However, in the hands of online critics, they became supposed evidence of hypocrisy, elitism, and phoniness. The internet outrage machine took hold, and suddenly, Meghan’s every move was dissected, twisted, and exaggerated to fit a narrative that painted her as disingenuous or out of touch.

Dolan-Zalaznick argues that much of this response stems from a deeper societal issue: the financial and social incentives behind viral content. In the past, tabloid gossip was driven largely by curiosity and the occasional personal vendetta, with little financial reward beyond selling an exclusive story. Today, however, there is real monetary gain in generating controversial or negative content. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram reward engagement, and studies have shown that anger-inducing or divisive content tends to spread more quickly than neutral or positive takes. As a result, creators seeking clout or financial gain often amplify negativity, whether by misrepresenting content, taking moments out of context, or simply fabricating drama where none exists.

The article also points out that this phenomenon isn’t limited to Meghan Markle. It draws a parallel to the reaction surrounding the 2023 film Saltburn. In that instance, online reactions—particularly viral TikTok videos—made certain scenes seem so shocking and grotesque that they sparked widespread debates before many had even seen the movie. By the time audiences finally watched Saltburn, many realized that the hype had overblown certain moments, making them seem far more extreme than they actually were. This echoes what happened with With Love, Meghan: the online discourse had little to do with the actual content of the show and was instead shaped by sensationalism and exaggeration.

Beyond critiquing this aspect of meme culture, the article also raises concerns about media and visual literacy in the digital age. Traditionally, audiences understood the distinctions between different types of media—film critics offered professional opinions, tabloids trafficked in gossip, and reputable news organizations adhered to journalistic standards. Even outlets known for gossip, like Deuxmoi, make it clear when information is unverified. However, on platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, those distinctions are blurred. Content creators presenting biased or misleading narratives often do so without disclaimers, making it difficult for viewers to discern whether they are consuming factual analysis, satire, or outright misinformation.

Dolan-Zalaznick argues that this trend leads to a larger cultural issue: the increasing difficulty of forming independent opinions. Instead of watching a show or movie firsthand, many people consume it through the lens of viral tweets, clipped moments, or reaction videos. This not only limits nuanced discussion but also reinforces echo chambers where preconceived notions go unchallenged. In Meghan Markle’s case, those predisposed to dislike her found their biases confirmed by viral clips taken out of context, while those with a more neutral stance might have been swayed by the dominant online narrative before even watching the show themselves.

Ultimately, the article calls for greater critical thinking and media literacy. It encourages audiences to engage with primary sources before forming opinions rather than relying on the often sensationalized or misleading interpretations that spread online. The final takeaway is clear: watch the show, see the movie, or listen to the podcast before jumping into online discourse. Otherwise, as the author humorously references, we risk falling into the trap of believing everything we read on the internet—something Abraham Lincoln (ironically) warned against in a well-known meme.

By examining the reaction to With Love, Meghan, Dolan-Zalaznick highlights the dangers of an internet culture where virality outweighs accuracy. The backlash against Meghan Markle is just one example of a broader trend where meme culture and online creators distort reality, shaping public perception in ways that often stray far from the truth.