On dating in the public eye
While The Bachelor put Agnew’s dating life on a national stage (famously dumping Abbie Chatfield on a rock in Africa), now he tries to keep it off his audience’s radar.
“I’m actually a fairly private person and I do try to set clear boundaries by not sharing much about my dating life,” he says.
“Social media plays a part in giving people unfettered access to people’s lives and I think the problem with that is that it can quickly lead to this entitlement where people think, ‘Not only do I have access, but I have the right to know what’s going on in all aspects of your life, including the intimate details.’
“It’s healthy for everyone really, to set those boundaries.”
On using his platform
Though Agnew acknowledges social media is not his top priority, he won’t shy away from raising awareness for issues that some in the public eye would not consider their “brand or place”.
“I am in a position of privilege as a cis-white male and I’m fortunate enough to have a platform to spread awareness about various issues,” he explains.
“Some people might not want to rock the boat by sharing similar content, but there are groups that are having their boat rocked whether they like it or not.”
The content in question spans from mental health awareness to the overturning of Roe versus Wade.
However, Agnew says his main interest is honing his academic background to debunk scientific jargon.
“I try to distil the information down into something that anyone can consume and then that kind of helps people understand why those overarching decisions were made for the public,” he explains.
Agnew’s aim to “cut the fat off” of science is largely the premise of his new book, as he investigates life beyond earth.
“The premise is to not only make science accessible, but engaging and entertaining,” Matt explains.
“There’s a point through our development where when you’re a child, science is really exciting and often that is lost through not thinking you’re intelligent enough or you’re too nerdy, but really science can be for everyone.”
Dr Matt’s Guide to Life in Space by Matt Agnew (Allen & Unwin $32.99). Out now! Buy it here.