Gus Kenworthy, the Olympic freestyle skier, recently opened up about his admiration for the show “Heated Rivalry” and how he can relate to the closeted gay characters depicted in the series. Kenworthy, who publicly came out in 2015, shared his thoughts on the show in an interview with The New Yorker. He mentioned how the third episode of the show resonated with him, particularly the storyline of François Arnaud’s closeted hockey player, Scott Hunter.
Kenworthy expressed that he reached out to the show’s creator to convey how moved he was by the storyline. He drew parallels between his own life experiences and those of the characters in the show, especially Scott Hunter. Kenworthy revealed that he had a secret relationship in the past, similar to Scott’s clandestine romance with barista Kip in the show. He also reflected on his brief connection with pop star Miley Cyrus, whom he was once linked to in the media.
The Olympic silver medalist shared how he related to the struggles of being in the closet and the yearning to be open about his identity and relationships. Kenworthy also humorously mentioned his interest in appearing in the second season of “Heated Rivalry,” showcasing his hockey skills from his high school days.
Looking ahead, Kenworthy is set to represent the United Kingdom in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, after previously competing for the U.S. in 2014 and 2018. He reflected on the challenges of being in the spotlight and navigating his personal life, including his interactions with celebrities like Miley Cyrus.
Overall, Kenworthy’s candid interview sheds light on his journey towards self-acceptance and the importance of representation in media. His openness about his experiences adds depth to the conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in sports and entertainment. The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with millions of people around the world using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to connect with friends, family, and strangers. While social media has its benefits, such as enabling us to stay in touch with loved ones and share our thoughts and experiences with a wider audience, it also has a dark side that can impact our mental health.
One of the main ways in which social media can affect mental health is through comparison. When scrolling through our feeds, we are bombarded with carefully curated images and posts from others that may not accurately reflect reality. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and low self-esteem as we compare ourselves to others who seem to have perfect lives. Research has shown that excessive social media use can contribute to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
Another way in which social media can negatively impact mental health is through cyberbullying. With the anonymity that the internet provides, people may feel emboldened to say hurtful and harmful things to others online. This can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and isolation for the victims of cyberbullying, and can have long-lasting effects on their mental well-being.
Furthermore, social media can also contribute to feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) and addiction. The constant stream of notifications, likes, and comments can create a sense of urgency and compulsion to constantly check our phones and stay connected to our social media accounts. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, as well as a decrease in productivity and focus on real-life activities.
Despite its negative effects, social media can also have positive impacts on mental health. It can provide a sense of community and support for those who may feel isolated or alone. It can also be a platform for raising awareness about mental health issues and connecting individuals with resources and support.
In order to mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health, it is important to practice mindfulness and self-awareness when using these platforms. Setting boundaries around social media use, such as limiting screen time and taking breaks from the online world, can help maintain a healthy balance between virtual and real-life interactions. It is also important to cultivate a sense of self-worth that is not dependent on external validation from social media.
Overall, while social media can have detrimental effects on mental health, it is possible to use these platforms in a mindful and intentional way that promotes well-being and positive connections with others. By being aware of the potential pitfalls of social media and taking steps to protect our mental health, we can harness the benefits of these platforms while minimizing the risks.
