Shock, Anger, and Humor: Social Media Reactions to the Brexit Vote

Published on June 27, 2016 at 11:40 AM

On Thursday, a referendum vote was held in the United Kingdom that resulted in the country's decision to leave the European Union. The UK and the EU's 27 other member countries are still reeling from the news, and it remains unclear what the extent of the repercussions of this decision will be. Many took to social media over the weekend to voice their shock and dismay over the Brexit, including celebrities like J.K. Rowling and James Corden, while others used it as a platform to discuss the implications of the vote and what it means for the US. Read on to find out more about Brexit and the satisfaction, outrage, and sarcasm it is inducing around the world.

Anger Over Voter Turnout

The decision to leave or remain was very much divided along age lines, resulting in outrage from young people who were largely against the vote but will now have to endure its consequences the longest.

The boomers have Defined Benefit pension schemes. So the pension funds getting hammered here are GenX and Millenial

— (((Burnett Tabrum))) (@BTabrum) June 24, 2016

Celebrities Express Their Remorse

The "leave" vote win came as a surprise to many, especially celebrities like J.K. Rowling who had been adamant in their support for the "remain" camp in the weeks leading up to the referendum.

I can't get my head around what's happening in Britain.I'm so sorry to the youth of Britain. I fear you've been let down today x

— James Corden (@JKCorden) June 24, 2016

I don't think I've ever wanted magic more. https://t.co/gVNQ0PYIMT

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016

Pollsters knew nothing, City knew nothing, bookies knew nothing.
Nobody knew anything. #EUreferendum

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 24, 2016

Others Saw It as Cause For Celebration

Long, emotional night. Sweet dreams 🇬🇧🍾 #Brexit pic.twitter.com/a2IH1f0U33

— Elizabeth Hurley (@ElizabethHurley) June 24, 2016

Just arrived in Scotland. Place is going wild over the vote. They took their country back, just like we will take America back. No games!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2016

Trump, however, failed to realize that Scotland had overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU. Thankfully, Lily Allen was there to assist.

@realDonaldTrump Scotland voted IN you moron

— lily (@lilyallen) June 24, 2016

Fear Over the Implications It Could Have For the EU

In addition to the immediate downturn of the world markets, many fear that the sovereignty of the EU has now been called into question and there is a strong possibility that people in other member nations may want a similar vote in their country.

Good news: I won £25 betting on leave
Bad news: £25 is now worth $0.34

— Rik Lomas (@riklomas) June 24, 2016

#Brexit to be followed by Grexit. Departugal. Italeave. Fruckoff. Czechout. Oustria. Finish. Slovakout. Latervia. Byegium

— Antti Pietikäinen (@farcentrist) June 24, 2016

Sarcasm Regarding the Role of Xenophobia in the Debate

A country that once colonized half of the world is complaining about immigration. #BrexitVote

— Mark Quinlin (@MarkQuinlin) June 24, 2016

Meanwhile India is just blown away that you can get Britain to leave by voting

— Bobby Big Wheel (@BobbyBigWheel) June 23, 2016

A Warning of the Implications It Could Have For America

Boris Johnson, the former mayor of London and an outspoken supporter of the "leave" campaign, is also a likely contender to replace David Cameron. His similarities to Donald Trump did not escape the notice of people on Twitter.

To anyone watching from the US - not a single person I know was voting leave, and that still happened. Don't let it happen with Trump.

— Claire Greenway (@clairegreenway) June 24, 2016

These two look so alike. Donald Trump & Boris Johnson, the anti-establishment leaders ready to rule. What a time! pic.twitter.com/fPkyvn1b67

— Khanyi Dhlomo (@KhanyiDhlomo) June 24, 2016

And General Concern For the State of the World

This whole racist-old-people-returning-us-to-fascism-before-they-die trend across the Western world is so exhausting and stressful.

— Brendan Keogh (@BRKeogh) June 24, 2016

It's like Canada is the concerned child watching her aging mother and weirdo big brother descend into chaos, unsure who to worry over first

— Paige (@PaigeKnorr) June 24, 2016

UK has voted to exit the EU. ASOS' site is down. #TomHiddleston is dating #TaylorSwift. I guess the end of world is happening, guys. #Brexit

— Li-ning Yeh (@yeahlining) June 24, 2016