The operative word in the term “social media” is supposed to be “social,” though the mass media and political elements of the phenomena often generate more attention. As a result of this lack of focus, many young people weened on social media find themselves needing someone to talk to — especially during Covid-19.
A new social emotional support service looks anonymously to connect callers with real people who were in the same situation and can relate to the related problems. The platform and app, Listeners On Call, is now partnering with American universities to offer its mental health and wellbeing support to more than 140,000 students at discounted rates.
The new social media platform, "Listener on Call" looks to connect troubled young with people with ... [+]
The universities include Texas A&M, Syracuse, Purdue and Vanderbilt. Their students can access subsidized, low-cost “Listeners” calls with trained people able to relate with their unique problems. The partnership between Listeners on Call, the university administrations and their student body presidents looks to support student mental health and reduce the stigma associated with seeking assistance.
The combined effort is a direct response to this unusual, Coronavirus-tinged school year and provides support to young people navigating an unprecedented back-to-school season. Common topics handled via Listeners on Call can include college stress, social isolation due to quarantine, distance learning rigors or race relations issues.
The service is not solely for college students. Anyone needing an informed ear can call in, from mothers dealing with children at home in quarantine to someone struggling with a diet to anyone experiencing the loss of a job or other pressures.
“Listeners on Call” makes an effort to keep the calls affordable, with calls costing $0.50 per minute. The site’s organizers say the average call should cost about $10 to $20, total.
