Paul Mescal has announced he is quitting social media and the internet. In a recent podcast interview, the Irish actor shared his frustrations with the overwhelming presence of himself online. “I’ve got to quit the internet,” Mescal said.
“It’s like too much. It’s too much of yourself. There’s not enough bakeries, and there’s too much of me.”
Mescal rose to fame in 2020 for his role as Connell Waldron in the hit series “Normal People.” Despite his success, he has struggled with the pressures of fame and constant media attention.
In January 2024, Mescal announced his departure from social media. He stated that the constant scrutiny and pressure to post trailers and photoshoots made him feel like a “commodity.”
Mescal’s co-star in “Normal People,” Daisy Edgar-Jones, clarified in May 2024 that she and Mescal are just good friends. Edgar-Jones has been romantically linked to photographer Ben Seed since September 2023.
In his personal life, Mescal is reportedly dating singer Gracie Abrams.
Paul Mescal’s digital detox decision
However, he has expressed his desire to keep his personal life private.
Mescal continues to navigate the challenges of fame while prioritizing his mental health. He has made strategic decisions to shield himself from the relentless public eye. The actor also discussed the downside of his rising fame in the podcast interview.
Despite being nominated for Best Actor at the 2023 Academy Awards, Mescal admitted that acting was never initially part of his plans. “I had no desire in my childhood to be ‘out in the world’,” he said. “But also, you’re smart enough to realize that, like, that’s the gig.
You get out in front of the movie, and you do your job. But there’s a certain tax that comes with it.”
Mescal’s decision to quit social media highlights a broader trend among celebrities seeking to escape the pressures of constant online presence. Pop star Selena Gomez also recently announced a break from social media to focus on “what really matters.”
As public personalities like Mescal and Gomez prioritize their mental well-being, their actions may inspire others to seek a more balanced digital life.
