DIRECTIONS
We’re inviting young people ages 18–25 to create a piece of social media content that reflects what loneliness and connection feel like in real life, and that could help someone else feel a little less alone.
Loneliness can show up in everyday, quiet moments, and connection can be just as small: a thought, a message, a habit, or a reminder that shifts how we feel. We’re asking you to take your own experience and turn it into something shareable on Instagram that feels honest, relatable, and supportive to someone else who might be going through something similar.
You can respond in whatever creative way feels right. It might be a story, a message you wish you had heard, a reflection, or a small idea that helps someone take a step toward feeling more connected.
Please keep submissions appropriate for a broad audience and avoid including personal health information or identifying others. If your content touches on emotional struggle, we encourage you to include a support line such as: “If you’re struggling, call or text 988 for support.”
Selected submissions may be featured as part of a campaign across Kaiser Permanente, Headstream, and SecondMuse channels, with credit to you. You’ll also include a one-sentence description of the idea behind your post.
Within the application, you will be asked to respond to one of the following prompts. We ask that you respond in whatever medium feels most meaningful to you (art, music, poetry, writing, video, etc.).
- What does loneliness or connection look like in your life? Share what loneliness or connection feels like to you. This could be a story, a moment, or something symbolic.
- What does hope look like when you’re feeling lonely? What helps you reconnect with yourself or others during difficult moments?
- Create something to help someone take one step toward feeling less lonely today. This could be advice, encouragement, a creative piece, or even an idea for a tool or ritual.
Formats should be Instagram-ready: Short video: 30–60s (9:16 Reels preferred; captions burned in; safe-area text), Carousel: 3–5 slides (1080×1350px preferred) mixing visuals + short copy, Static: Single image/poster with concise tip(s).
Note: If written or audio responses are included, they will need to be adapted for Instagram if selected.
TIMELINE
Deadline: August 12, 2026
Selections Finalized By: September 2026