To start my research, I explored the root causes of loneliness. I discovered that much of this loneliness stems from feelings of not being accepted or not being at peace with oneself. These issues often lead individuals to feel too vulnerable to reach out to others. A significant contributor to these feelings is social media, where comparisons to idealized portrayals on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter exacerbate these feelings of inadequacy.
This insight guided the development of the Content app, which is designed not only for individuals already experiencing loneliness but also for those seeking to improve their mental and emotional health proactively. By helping users achieve a sense of fulfillment, the app aims to reduce the impact of comparison and decrease the number of lonely individuals.
Further research revealed that loneliness can be contagious, leading me to investigate strategies to combat this phenomenon. A key finding was the Mother Teresa Effect—a phenomenon where observing acts of kindness can boost immunoglobulin-A levels and enhance overall well-being. Studies have shown that witnessing or participating in acts of kindness can lead to increased generosity, better immune function, reduced stress, lower chances of insomnia, and increased productivity.
Incorporating this effect into the Content app, I introduced the Tasks section, which encourages users to perform acts of kindness for others. This not only benefits the recipients but also positively affects the user by increasing serotonin levels and reducing feelings of loneliness. This approach ensures that users experience and contribute to positive interactions, counteracting the effects of loneliness.
Additionally, research indicated that people value receiving compliments almost as much as receiving money. This insight influenced the app’s incentive system: users earn discounts at local supermarkets or restaurants for completing modules in the Goals section, which focuses on self-improvement. However, the Tasks section, which emphasizes complimenting others, does not offer such rewards. This decision is based on findings that disingenuous compliments can have adverse effects.
The benefits of kindness, such as reduced risks of heart disease, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, are particularly relevant to the 18-24 age demographic, as these issues are major contributors to loneliness and emotional distress.