Intended Impact
#Likes4Lucas aims to shift perspectives. To reach those who need help. To inspire discussions across generations. To turn compelling peer-to-peer storytelling into entertainment for all. To surprise all concerned with a strong dose of candor. Plus laughter.
Why is this needed? The statistics are in: Today’s teens spend more time with Big Tech than with schools, parents and peers. Even worse, according to the Surgeon General AND the American Psychological Association, a mounting body of research shows that young people’s mental health suffers in direct relation to increased use of social media. And this is no accident: Big Tech is intentional. Platforms target young people with addictive content; personalized algorithms keep them online; business models encourage polarization. When young female users join TikTok, content about eating disorders and self-harm appears. When studies confirm that features like “infinite scroll” are clinically harmful—especially for those aged ten-to-fifteen—Big Tech fights back.
Yes, we need systemic change: “duty of care” laws that prohibit addictive feeds; school regulations that restrict media usage; family agreements that limit hours. But none of those changes will happen swiftly. Or easily. For now, research confirms: the most effective solution is self-regulation. Change that comes from within.
That’s the message that we want to communicate. It’s not just a critique of social media, identity crises or deepfake AI. It’s about our need for human contact, happiness, fulfillment, self-esteem—a sense of self that goes beyond posturing, beyond our need for external approval. It’s about how to balance technological breakthroughs with emotional growth.
When and how will our impact be felt?
The first stage of #Likes4Lucas outreach is about to take place: a fundraising blitz that will bring pilot script, ‘proof of concept’ teaser, director’s statement, pitch deck and episodic breakdown to a wide network of professional contacts. As our project gains momentum, so will our message. Awareness will build.
Then, once funding is in place, we expect to complete #Likes4Lucas pilot production post-production, social media promotion and festival submissions—ideally by the summer of 2025.
We also hope to add an Impact Producer to our team: someone whose expertise will help us bridge the intersection of technology, social media and mental health. Someone who shares our desire to illustrate risks, improve the status quo. Someone who will maximize outreach and impact.
Along with film festival screenings, we plan to bring #Likes4Lucas to In-School Presentations, Mental Health Conferences and Big-Tech Colloquia: events designed to spark conversations, raise awareness and inspire healthier habits. To open minds and save lives.