Master of Technological Futures 2025
Share your story

Seen. Heard. Safe.Your story can help change things.

If you’re between 18 and 29 in Brazil, Japan, or New Zealand, we want to hear you. Tell us about times you’ve felt included, or left out. Your voice can inspire changes that help everyone feel safe and accepted.

Share your story

The Loneliness Reality

Feeling lonely hits hard - and not always for the same reasons. Stuff like money, identity, and fitting in all make a difference. Here’s what we’ve found:

World loneliness
24%
Around the world, 1 in 4 people say they feel lonely.
It happens everywhere.
Gen Z loneliness
27%
Loneliness is common for Generation Z.
But it's something we rarely talk about.
Alone time increasing
Alone time
Isolation is on the rise among young people.
Fewer get-togethers lead to fewer friendships.
Higher risk
Higher risk
Those who don’t fit the norm - because of disability, ethnicity, or other reasons - often feel extra alone.
That can be really tough.

Why is it important?

The usual advice is, “Change yourself first.” Of course, that matters — but when the spaces around you are unwelcoming, it’s not something you can solve on your own.

That’s why we’re focusing on your spaces — the places you go, the rules you deal with, and the platforms you use. By hearing your stories, we’ll understand what works (and what doesn’t) to make things better.

What we care about

“How did it actually feel for you?”

We want to hear the real story - what happened, how it felt inside and out. We’re here to listen, not judge.

“You’re part of something bigger.”

Māori frameworks teach us that wellbeing means looking at your mind, body, relationships/whānau, and spirit — and how you’re connected to the land and to the people and community around you.

“Who you are shapes your story.”

Layers like your background, gender, financial situation, or disability influence how welcome and safe you feel. We want to understand which obstacles have the biggest impact.

Your voice matters - help us make things better!

Tell us about a time you felt like you belonged - or didn’t. Your story can help spaces feel safer and more welcoming.

Takes 5–10 minutes You can stay anonymous Skip any question Stop anytime
Share your story

About me

Hey! I’m Edson Koji Nishikito, a Brazilian-Japanese designer and Master’s student at academyEX.

I’ve lived in Brazil, Japan, and New Zealand, and growing up across cultures has deeply shaped my understanding of connection and belonging. Experiencing life in different countries and within a bicultural family showed me firsthand how powerful, and sometimes difficult, it can be to build real relationships. Those personal experiences taught me why connections truly matter.
With a career of over 15 years in design, media, and games, I now channel my professional skills into creating digital and physical spaces where real connections and friendships can grow.

Want to chat or know more? Email me: edson.nishikido@gmail.com