Social media is becoming an increasing problem for mental health. Everyday there are new users creating accounts and getting sucked into the addiction. Currently, 69% of 12-15 year olds have a social media account, encouraging the uprise of mental health disorders. Social media causes anxiety and depression, it affects sleep and productivity and fuels the fear of missing out. However, social media has a lot of positives, therefore, the system needs improving and not removing.
Live Offline is an exploration into the negative effects social media can have on mental health. The project is a self-initiated brief, aiming to highlight these issues and improve how we use social media.
The project consists of a brand identity package, including a campaign and website design. The brand identity can be used across all social media platforms to promote the message. The goal is to reach a vast and varied audience and get across the message to as many people as possible. It will also be used for posters and marketing material to physically promote the brand. The website and campaign are specifically tailored to cater to parents, carers and teachers who want to educate their children and pupils on how to use social media better.
Alongside the brand identity, is a redesign of Instagram. This is designed to encourage teenagers to block out social media content that might make them feel anxious or uncomfortable. The design is the addition of ‘The Eye’, an open and closed shaped eye located on the main feed of Instagram. It is a simple option for blocking unwanted content and is easier to navigate than the current system.