Chris Olsen Reveals How He Manages Online Hate as a Content Creator

In a candid discussion on Jamie Laing’s podcast, “Great Company,” social media star Chris Olsen revealed his approaches to handling online criticism and the challenges that come with fame in the digital age. The episode, aired on 25th February, delved into various aspects of Olsen’s life, including his relationship with Harrison Dockerty and his recent journey towards sobriety.

Olsen, who has witnessed his social media presence surge dramatically during the pandemic, now commands an impressive following of over 23 million across his platforms, including TikTok and Instagram. As a content creator, individual scrutiny and disparagement are inevitable, and Olsen shared a few insights on how he has developed the skills needed to navigate such negativity in the online space.

Reflecting on his colossal following, he described the experience as “unfathomable.” “There are times I check my TikTok account and see the figure of 13 million followers, and I just think, when did that happen?” he remarked. Evidently, the journey from content creation to notoriety has been overwhelming for him.

Olsen’s rise to fame can be attributed to several popular series he has produced. A notable one, “Flying for Coffee,” involved him travelling to deliver coffee to well-known personalities such as Jennifer Lopez and Austin Butler. This unique concept not only showcased his creativity but also helped him connect with his audience in a meaningful way.

One of the key factors behind Olsen’s success, he believes, is his ability to “surrender” to the chaotic nature of the Internet. He articulated that surrendering does not imply giving up, but rather understanding that online situations can sometimes be exaggerated or misconstrued. Laing concurred with this notion, suggesting that Olsen’s background in theatre likely contributed to his resilience and performance skills in front of an audience.

“Many theatre kids tend to find success later in life because we’re accustomed to embarrassing ourselves,” Olsen explained. He opined that being comfortable with vulnerability has allowed him to thrive in the often-volatile social media landscape, stating, “In my social media career, I was already at a point where I wasn’t frightened of being embarrassed or cringe.”

While discussing the negative comments he occasionally receives, Olsen speculated that some of the hostility stems from societal pressures and the expectations he often challenges through his content. He thoughtfully clarified, “It’s not that jealousy is always the root of their feelings. Sometimes, it’s anger directed towards us because they perceive what I do and think they could achieve it better.”

Addressing his critics, he encouraged those harbouring negative sentiments to pursue their ambitions. “I genuinely advocate for everyone to pursue their goals. There is plenty of room for all of us to succeed,” he said, illustrating his belief in a collaborative and supportive creative community.

Olsen gained initial recognition in 2020 when he began sharing insights from his life during lockdown with then-boyfriend Ian Paget. Since then, his engaging online persona has captivated audiences, particularly following several significant events that have defined his career. His decision to speak publicly about intimate image abuse, often referred to as “revenge porn,” and a pivotal moment of vulnerability online in 2024 prompted him to reassess his relationship with social media.

Through his journey, Olsen has demonstrated resilience and an understanding of personal growth in a world that frequently scrutinises and critiques its public figures. As content creation continues to evolve, his experience may serve as a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and the power of sharing one’s story amidst the challenges posed by digital platforms.