Social Experiments
Taking a Social Experiment means changing a specific lifestyle habit for a period of time, and documenting the experiences in a blog.
We learned about SEs from Anti-Apathy:
Basically, ‘Anti-Apathy starts with awareness, and moves rapidly on to experience and action. Through our unique social experiments we offer opportunities to get involved in supported and imaginative new actions with positive social and environmental consequences.‘ say AA about their cruelty-free Social Experiments,like ‘A Month Without Supermarkets’, or ‘Fashion Addict‘.
‘… How far did the participants’ money go? Did they resist cravings for the usual high street suspects? Did they see clothing and the whole notion of consumption in a new light? And, crucially, did they look good? Read the participants profiles below and visit their blogs to find out first hand… We love the idea, and want to see more – With You!’
“Social Experiments change the way we see and feel the world around us. They make us aware of habits, patterns and conditionings that may not all be appreciative. It makes you feel more rich, more alive, makes you grow – by giving up on little things for a short period of time. Can you believe it? Are you up to it? Do you dare? Join in!”
AA do not pursue Social Experiments any longer, but we love the idea, and see its exceptional value for education at any age level!
We experimented on this in a Berlin school. Participation was voluntary. 12 year old Max said using no media (no tv, radio, magazines, nor music) was too tough. But he would do for two weeks without refined sugar. We thought this would turn out to be no less tough for him, but he surprised us – and most of all, himself!
The week-end went by, we met three days later: “So, how’s it going? Are you really doing it?” “Yes. And I love it! I reach for a chocolate bar and stop my hand like I’m remote controlled. I get thirsty, reach inot the fridge, lay my hands on the soda and think “Ah, no sugar!” I change for a Nesquick cocoa drink and notice it contains lots of sugar. I end up making my own using organic cocoa and raw sugar. Mum is surprised but ok. She gets really curious. We had to change my school lunch today.” “So, do you think, you’ll go on?” “Absolutely! It’s so cool. I feel so much fresher and alive after just three days! Can’t wait for what’s happening to me next!”
We knew it would be an intense learning experience, a waking up. But not this much!
We can imagine a whole lot of Social Experiments, and are planning to run them “live” for 2 weeks, documented by online users.
No matter whether people/your students participate live in our Experiments or not – you can run these yourself, students can invent experiments and challenge each other “who dares most”. If you decide to run a Social Experiment, we would love to help documenting it “live” in YL, and also publish your students’ testimonies. Your kids will love the global exposure! We will help you make it into your local media, as well!
Please contact our Global Office for cooperation.
