Drew Starkey, the 31-year-old actor known for his role in Queer, recently opened up about his approach to social media. In a candid interview with Dazed, he explained why he keeps his online presence limited and the boundaries he sets when it comes to sharing his personal life. Starkey’s views offer a refreshing perspective on the pressures of fame and the impact of social media on mental health.
The Dangers of Social Media and Online Identity
Starkey acknowledged the power of social media to connect people, but he also expressed concerns about its potential to create a distorted sense of reality. “You can say anything you want online under the guise of any identity,” he pointed out. While some of the content online may seem positive, Starkey remains skeptical about its authenticity. He questioned whether people would say the same things to his face, highlighting the disconnect that social media can create between individuals.
Starkey believes that constant exposure to online feedback can lead to a disorienting experience. “If I’m on the internet all day, it can become delusional,” he shared, adding that he does not want to lose his sense of self in the process. This careful approach to his online presence reflects Starkey’s desire to maintain a grounded, authentic identity, separate from the noise of the digital world.
Social Media as a Tool for Promoting Work
While Starkey is cautious about his personal social media interactions, he does use his platforms as a tool to promote his professional projects. He explained that he keeps his social media presence primarily focused on sharing updates about his career, particularly the movies he’s involved in. By doing so, he is able to engage with his fans while maintaining a healthy balance between his personal and professional life. This strategy allows Starkey to stay connected with his audience without feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of online life.
The Fear of Connection in Drew Starkey’s Role in Queer
In his interview, Starkey also touched on themes of identity and connection, particularly in relation to his role in Queer. He explained that the character’s fear of being truly known resonated with him on a personal level. “That fear of someone truly getting to know who you are is one that I struggled with for, I mean, the majority of my life,” Starkey revealed. This fear of vulnerability is something many people can relate to, and it’s something Starkey has grappled with throughout his own journey.
Starkey went on to describe how this theme of connection in Queer struck a chord with him. He believes that this fear of intimacy and self-revelation can prevent people from forming meaningful connections with others. “That can stop people in their tracks,” he said, reflecting on the challenges of opening up to others, particularly in a world that often values privacy and self-protection.
The Struggles of Navigating Identity in the Public Eye
For Starkey, navigating his identity in the public eye has always been complex. As an actor, he is often expected to share parts of himself with his audience, but he remains cautious about how much of his personal life he reveals. He’s aware of the pressure to conform to certain expectations, yet he refuses to let social media or public opinion define him.
This balance between public and private life is especially challenging in today’s digital age, where everyone’s every move is documented and scrutinized. Starkey’s approach to social media is a reminder that it’s okay to set boundaries and protect one’s mental health, even in an industry where openness is often rewarded.
Conclusion: Maintaining Authenticity in a Digital World
Drew Starkey’s decision to limit his social media presence speaks to the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world that increasingly values constant connectivity. By keeping his online interactions focused on professional updates and minimizing personal exposure, Starkey shows that it’s possible to stay grounded while navigating the pressures of fame. His perspective on social media reminds us that it’s important to be mindful of how much we share and to protect our mental health by not letting the digital world become all-consuming.