Johnny Sun – Illustrator and writer

He wrote and illustrated a graphic novel about an alien left on planet Earth trying to find companionship in a time where he feels completely alone.

Johnny himself struggled with loneliness, comparing the feeling to a void. Like outer space, where no one answers.

Similarly, the internet can feel like this, but as Johnny explained he used humour and online cartoon strips to articulate his feelings and soon he discovered that it formed a small community of other, lonely people who began to connet.

He described loneliness as an “intrinsic human state” but that through social connection, one can alleviate these feelings of crushing despair.

86 reads

MORE IDEAS ON THIS

Susan Pinker – Physiologist part 1

Susan Pinker argued that social connection is one of the biggest defining factors for life expectancy/health.

Diet and exercise are important, but there should be an equal if not greater focus on social interaction and connection as a key biological need expressed...

41 reads

Susan Pinker – Physiologist part 2

However, close relationships (i.e someone you could ask for money, someone who could comfort you during a crisis etc.) are not always the most important.

Weak relationships (I.e. the person who serves your coffee, the postman, a neighbour etc.) are just as importa...

40 reads

Suleika Jaouad – Writer part 2

During this time her mother (an artist) launched challenge – 100 days of creativity. Her mother painted a small ceramic tile every day and Suleika took up journaling.

After voicing her experiences through online blogs ect a few people contacted her, expre...

28 reads

Grace Kim – Architect part 2

Her design promotes a feeling of togetherness and broadens the meaning of “family” and “home”.

They share meals at least 4 times a week, although attendance varies daily and often birthdays/annual celebrations are a group effort.

...

27 reads

Grace Kim – Architect part 1

Grace designed and build her own community living space with her family and eight others in Seattle as a rejection of suburban living that often promotes isolation and only offers a false promise of connection.

The housing estate is designed to include co...

65 reads