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Need For Human Connection Creates Unexpected, Positive Use Of Clubhouse

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In recent years there’s been a dramatic growth in the number of people who obtain daily news and information from social media. There has also been a lot of literature beginning to look at the impact social media has on mental health, wellbeing and as of late dis- and misinformation as it pertains to science. Not to mention the vast research surrounding how more time on screens influences our overall health.

But the newest social media platform, Clubhouse, may prove to be different. Not just because it’s audio only (which means anyone on the app can listen while doing other tasks and there are no visual filters to hide behind), but because it has enabled people who otherwise would never converse to talk openly. During a time when many around the world are socially isolated and in various states of lockdown, this form of connectivity is rare – and growing like wildfire.

But its most recent success not was crafted by a marketing team or promoted by an influencer. Instead, it grew organically thanks to a group of passionate mental health advocates who saw an opportunity to connect people. What started out as a concept for a four-hour event in response to bullying and depression turned into a four-day Mental Health Summit. On the Clubhouse app. Topics ranged from childhood development Q&As to veteran mental health resources to addressing imposter syndrome and depression.

In real time experts from literally all over the globe took questions and gave small presentations, while participants chimed in, told stories and kept the rooms moving every hour. There were also interactive sessions that included improv games for the mind and body, as well as tools for how to create a positive mindset.

A Bold Effort

The concept was carried out by a group of Clubhouse users headed by Shannan Abbott from Somerset, U.K. Shannan joined Clubhouse on January 7th of this year, and by February 23rd she’d instigated the first Mental Health Summit. The entire event was pulled together in two weeks. According to Shannan, “I had a late-night idea to create and host a one-day event. Two weeks later it quickly scaled into two days, then to three, then four. Over 50 speakers came forward and I ended up with a speaker waitlist.”

“Even the disclaimer which every speaker put in their bio was a group effort,” added Katherine Price Snedaker, CEO and Founder of PINK Concussions. “In true Clubhouse fashion we opened a room asking for ‘Legal Advice on Mental Health Disclaimers on Clubhouse’ and several lawyers and knowledgeable sources dropped in to offer their thoughts.”

There were no product pitches, sales of any kind and each speaker gave away their knowledge for free and answered questions as they came. In fact, a dashboard was created by volunteers so people could follow the agenda, as well as access resources associated with each topic and speaker. The dashboard also included resources and hotlines for countries all over the world.

How It Worked 

Words alone have the power to give and take life, so when used in this way it really can help people. Or, as speaker and certified trauma recovery coach Will Wissmiller put it, “The superpower of Clubhouse is its ability to allow humans to be emotionally naked, with support, and help each other grow.” Heidi Wilde, a holistic mental wellness advocate added, “Because the app is voice only, it allows for a quicker and deeper connection, taking the non-verbal visual sense out of the equation. This in turn, allows for our hearing and listening skills to be used in an amplified way to connect more quickly to our heart.”

Thus, the result of this event was hour-by-hour people from around the world listened and interacted as they talked about issues that affect them. There was respectful disagreement on certain issues, but the tone was one of positivity and collaboration. Which is vitally important to the future of Clubhouse itself. Because the app is new, by invitation only and currently only available to iPhone users, there are a lot of kinks to be worked out. But that means events like the Mental Health Summit can be models for future utilization of the app. 

According to Joy Marchese, founder of Positive Discipline U.K., “It may take you a few weeks to find your tribe on Clubhouse, but when you do it’s a beautiful thing. Events such as the Mental Health Summit, a Master Class taught by Amy Cuddy, and support groups for women supporting women are some of the great examples of this.”

And speakers and practitioners agree. Nikiya “NikiMarie” Rodriguez, mental health advocate and field volunteer for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP) commented that, “When it comes to mental health in the black community, it’s such an off-topic conversation. But since the pandemic, people have been craving information and a platform to be heard. The biggest take away from this event is that no two people have the same experience. However, we all have experiences. We had one goal and that was to offer educational tools and resources to help others dealing with any type of mental health challenge.”

What’s Next?

Clubhouse has come under scrutiny in its few short months due to security concerns and lack of addressing instances of bullying by some members. It is also a little clunky for those trying to move from room to room as topics progress, with users relying on Twitter and Instagram for messaging while using the app. 

But, the app does offer something unique during a very difficult time for people from every corner of the world. “The platform offers an exchange. It encourages an open dialogue and strategies to be shared between experts and the public, enabling more people to be reached and supported directly, contends Simi Rayat, a business psychologist.

And the Mental Health Summit itself is just the beginning according to Shannan and volunteers. The results and feedback were so positive that everyone involved seems committed to keeping up the momentum. Specifically, in the closing sessions it was announced that there will be multiple one-day events such as those scheduled for International Women’s Day on March 11th and a Men’s Mental Health Summit on March 12th. Other special groups are being cultivated on topics like teen brain development and children’s mental health and technology – for parents and teachers alike.

The future of Clubhouse isn’t certain. But if its founders listen to beta users like those behind the Mental Health Summit, it could truly create a new dynamic for human connectivity via social media. While the world is still in a pandemic, the need for outlets and resources will continue to be high. And finally, there might be a medium that improves public and mental health.

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