inpathy - A Social Network Mirroring Real Life

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Wellbeing

Numerous investigations have explored the detrimental impacts of social media usage on mental health, with a particular focus on adolescent populations.

Despite widespread awareness of these negative effects, many individuals find it challenging to disengage from social networking platforms, even when they experience feelings of inadequacy as a result.

The pervasive practice of comparing one’s life to the curated, idealized portrayals presented on platforms like Facebook and Instagram creates a fundamentally skewed perspective.

Introducing Inpathy: A New Approach to Social Connection

Inpathy represents a novel social network designed with wellbeing in mind – a “healthy” alternative. Founded in 2015 by Ziarekenya Smith, the company’s core mission is to redefine social media interaction “by fostering greater transparency, normalizing emotional expression, and replicating authentic human connection.”

Smith’s professional journey began in the fields of digital art and design. Although he achieved initial success, he discovered that his work lacked the personal fulfillment he desired.

He subsequently experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and felt a strong urge to share these feelings online.

“The unspoken conventions of social media dictate that personal struggles and imperfections remain private,” Smith observes. “Consequently, I suppressed my emotions.”

The idea for the Detroit-based Inpathy arose directly from this personal experience of pain and internal conflict.

It also stemmed from Smith’s conviction that the current social media model is unsustainable in the long run.

“While effective for generating revenue, it falls short in promoting genuine human wellbeing,” Smith explained to TechCrunch. “A fundamental restructuring is necessary, in my view.”

A Platform for Authentic Expression

Inpathy aims to provide a more holistic and balanced online experience, moving beyond the pursuit of perfection.

The platform seeks to create a space where individuals can openly share their complete range of emotions – both positive and negative.

“Life inevitably involves both triumphs and setbacks, and appreciating someone’s achievements is enhanced by understanding their journey through challenges,” Smith states. “We are naturally drawn to stories of resilience.”

Uniquely, Inpathy encourages users to share their experiences not through traditional visual or textual formats, but through audio or video recordings, aiming to deliver a more immersive and engaging experience.

The platform prompts users to indicate their current emotional state, displaying this mood on their profile.

Users can even filter content based on mood, selecting options such as “angry,” “sad,” or “happy.”

“Our intention is to destigmatize emotion and establish a transparent system,” Smith said. “Transparency is crucial for fostering a sense of shared understanding and allowing individuals to recognize that their experiences are not unique.”

Building Connections, Not Just Followers

Inpathy diverges from conventional social media by eliminating the “follow” and “add” functionalities.

Instead, it facilitates two-way communication, fostering genuine “friendships” between users.

“We are not automatons; regardless of socioeconomic status, all individuals experience happiness and pain,” Smith emphasizes. “This is the essence of humanity, and Inpathy affirms the validity of being human.”

The platform maintains a strict policy against trolling and bullying, with offenders facing permanent bans.

This policy is rooted in the desire to protect users who bravely share their vulnerabilities and prevent them from being silenced by negativity.

Funding and Future Vision

Currently, Smith is securing funding through crowdfunding and self-financing, prioritizing a long-term vision over immediate investor demands.

“We are committed to maintaining control over our platform’s development and avoiding the temptation to add features solely to attract investment,” he explains. “Our core vision remains paramount.”

“Looking at the current social media landscape, we utilize YouTube for television-style content, TikTok for short-form videos, Instagram for photography, Twitter for news and trends, Facebook for entertainment, LinkedIn for professional networking, Headspace for mindfulness, and Tinder for dating,” Smith notes.

“But where can individuals go to experience authenticity and simply be themselves?”

Smith hopes Inpathy will provide that space.