HEALTH CHALLENGES
Mental Health
How might we counteract the always-on culture that currently pervades society?
Introduction
The internet and mobile devices have fundamentally changed the way that people live and work. While these technologies have the potential to bring the world closer together, they also create an always-on culture that has blurred the boundaries between work life and home life which can have negative consequences for mental health. Work emails are increasingly being sent out after work hours and over the weekend. Nature is no longer a refuge for tranquility, with emails and notifications coming through in most national parks. Work aside, social media also puts strain on personal lives. Social media not only distracts people with endless scrollable content, it also promotes unrealistic standards of fitness, beauty, and lifestyle which generate additional stress. The sum total of these trends is that people are working harder than ever and feeling increasingly inadequate at work and in their personal lives
Specific angles to explore
This challenge explores a variety of challenges associated with mental health. Decision fatigue, fear of missing out, feelings of inadequacy, little time for self-care, and a lack of face-to-face connection with friends and loved ones are driving a rise in mental illnesses
Always-on society: How might we create clearer breakpoints between our work lives and personal lives to counteract the always-on culture that currently pervades society?
Stress-relief: What amenities might we offer throughout the city that people can use to destress after a long workday and commute?
Establishing realistic expectations: How might we help people develop more realistic and empathetic perceptions of themselves and others?
Detection and resources: How might we better identify and support people with mental health issues?
Awareness: How might we improve education and awareness about mental health issues?