John Krasinski has revealed how he manages public judgment and criticism, particularly in today’s age of social media. The 45-year-old actor, recently crowned PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2024, shared that he completely avoids reading online comments or engaging with social media after a few early unsettling experiences.
Speaking to PEOPLE for their latest cover story, Krasinski reflected on his time on The Office and the early days of the internet. “I remember on The Office, the computers we had were live, and that was the early days of Myspace and IMDb chat rooms,” he recalled. At the time, many cast members, including his co-star Jenna Fischer, were eager to check out the online reactions to their work. “She was super into it and would tell us, ‘Guys, last night’s episode, they loved it.’ So we’d all jump on.”
Initially, Krasinski was curious about what fans were saying, but he quickly became overwhelmed by some of the negative feedback. “One of my first forays down that rabbit hole, I was like, ‘Oh my God, what did they say?'” he said. However, the harsh criticism he encountered was enough to make him step away from the online space altogether. “It was like, ‘Oh dear Lord.’ And I’ve never gone back.”
Reflecting on his decision to stay away from online chatter, Krasinski shared that the early days of chat rooms and fan forums left him feeling unsettled. “Truly, that scared the absolute hell out of me, those chat rooms in the early days. So, I can’t imagine where it’s gone since,” he admitted.
By choosing not to engage with social media or online comments, Krasinski has protected himself from the negative aspects of fame that can come with public life. His decision highlights a growing trend among celebrities seeking to maintain their mental health and personal well-being by avoiding the toxic nature of online spaces.
Krasinski’s approach to handling fame and public judgment offers insight into how stars can balance their careers with self-care in an increasingly connected world. Despite his massive success, including his recent PEOPLE honor, the actor remains steadfast in his decision to steer clear of social media’s potentially harmful impact.
