Problem

As a society, we often overlook the importance of mental health in children and adolescents. With the rise of social media and fandom culture, it's important to create a platform that supports young people in finding their identity and purpose through art and media. However, there is a lack of resources available for this demographic.

Our team recognized this gap and wanted to create an Instagram-based learning initiative that would provide support for young people who are fans of media and art works. We aimed to facilitate a healthy fandom community that would foster a sense of belongingness and purpose in life.

Learn more about our solution here.

Solution

We created an Instagram account called "Base and Bias" which serves as a platform for young people to explore their interests in media and art while also promoting positive mental health habits. Our team curated content from various sources such as fan art, cosplay, music, movie, memes, and other creative works related to popular media franchises.

In addition to sharing content, we also provided educational resources on topics such as self-care, mindfulness, and coping mechanisms for anxiety or depression. We encouraged our followers to engage with each other by sharing their own artwork or participating in discussions about their favorite fandoms.

Impact

Increased engagement on social media platforms by X%
Positive feedback from followers who reported feeling more connected with others who share similar interests
Improved mental health outcomes among participants who reported feeling more confident and less isolated

"This initiative has been a game-changer for me. I used to feel alone in my fandom interests, but now I have a community that supports me and encourages me to be myself."

Team

Team Member #1 - Social Media Manager
- Curated content from various sources to share on the Artful Fandom account
- Engaged with followers by responding to comments and messages
Team Member #2 - Mental Health Consultant
- Provided educational resources on mental health topics for young people
- Moderated discussions about mental health and self-care practices within the fandom community

Base and Bias: Boosting Youth Mental Health on Instagram