It’s hard to spot the signs that those around us are struggling, especially during these difficult times. That’s why today on R U OK? Day, R U OK? and Twitter Australia have partnered to create a threadventure.
Users can access a ‘choose your own adventure conversation thread’ at the R U OK? Day Twitter handle. Using conversation roleplay, the threads are an interactive way of showing how to sensitively ask R U OK?, listen, and how to respond if someone is struggling.
Kara Hinesley, Director of Policy at Twitter Australia, comments: “R U OK? is playing an important role in the Australian community by encouraging people to have meaningful conversations with their friends and family. This year its message is more important than ever as many Australians face social isolation and difficult circumstances during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Do you know what to say after R U OK?
Find out in this thread👇 👇 👇 pic.twitter.com/sdHSPHNUGF— R U OK? (@ruokday) September 9, 2020
“R U OK?’s previous research revealed that 41% of Australians hadn’t asked someone if they were OK because they weren’t sure they knew the signs. Through the innovative R U OK? Twitter threadventure, we hope Aussies find news ways to navigate these important conversations with their loved ones and feel confident to keep checking in with friends, family, and colleagues who may be going through a tough time.
“We know it is not always easy to know what to say when you’re worried about a friend or when someone in your network needs help, and we hope this Twitter Threadventure will help people learn there is more to say after R U OK?”
Anastasia Symons, Brand and Communications Manager at R U OK?, comments: “We know that users often find a sense of belonging and social connection on Twitter. We want to empower users to look out for each other both online and offline and trust their gut-instinct when they notice signs that someone might be struggling with life, especially in these challenging times. We hope this threadventure will help them know what to say when someone is not OK and continue a conversation that could change a life.”