This payphone is part of a social experiment. Right now, you’re on a college campus in Boston, MA (where young people usually are). When you pick up this phone, you’ll automatically be connected to another payphone at a senior living complex in Reno, NV (where older people usually are).
Younger adults and older adults tend to experience the highest levels of loneliness of any age group, so the goal of this project is to inspire generational connection through meaningful conversations, despite differences in age, lifestyle, or politics.
Research shows that loneliness is more harmful than lack of exercise, excessive drinking, and even excessive smoking. Positive conversations increase longevity by lowering our cortisol levels and increasing our feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, cannabinoids, and oxytocin.
We are recording these conversations so we can highlight findings on our social media (@matterneuroscience). Any identifying details shared will be bleeped out as we treasure your anonymity.
Have fun and enjoy the conversation.
-The team at Matter
