Alone, But Not Lonely
A social media campaign aimed at challenging the stigma of loneliness among middle school kids and high schoolers. The initiative uses storytelling to raise awareness, educate, and empower youth to effectively address and overcome feelings of loneliness and social isolation.Summary
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
and Kids Helpline Australia.Client
Year
2023
First and foremost, what is the
Design Challenge?
Loneliness can harm social well-being and increase disease risk, particularly among youth. The challenge lies in overcoming societal stigma and misunderstanding, which hinder individuals from seeking help. This project aims to shift the narrative by introducing loneliness to secondary school children in simple terms, equipping them with the knowledge and resources to understand their feelings and seek help, ultimately to change how we perceive and address loneliness.
What about the
Idea and Solution?
The design concept for 'Alone, But Not Lonely' seamlessly blends a vibrant flat design with a 70s retro art style. This trendy and light-hearted aesthetic aims to resonate with high schoolers aged 13 to 18, encouraging them to embrace their inner child through its playful and approachable visual appeal. Recognising the impact of storytelling, the Instagram feed is structured with a Linear Narrative design, delineating the storyline into three sequential stages:Stage 1: Create awareness or identify feelings.
This is conveyed through a handful of negative or unhelpful thoughts familiar to individuals experiencing loneliness, acting as a 'hook' to pique curiosity in viewers.Stage 2: Understand what loneliness is and why it occurs.
This stage includes statistics to startle the audience, illustrating how experiencing loneliness can impact mental and physical well-being in the long run.Stage 3: Issue a call-to-action.
This phase incorporates positive affirmations and guides on how to combat feelings of loneliness and reconnect with others.Step 1: Awareness/ Identify Feelings
Step 2: Understanding ‘Loneliness’
Step 3: Call-to-action
What do we conclude about its
Design Impacts?
By introducing the concept of loneliness to secondary school children in a simple and accessible manner, the project likely increases awareness and understanding of this complex issue among a crucial demographic. Providing resources and encouraging open discussion can empower young individuals to recognise and address their own feelings of loneliness, reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behavior. Ultimately, the project may contribute to a broader cultural shift in how loneliness is perceived and addressed, fostering healthier social connections and emotional well-being among youth.
Disclaimer: This is merely a hypothetical brief and a project done for Queensland University of Technology (QUT).