This is a simulated group work created for a module called "Digital Image Making". We were tasked to create posters that juxtaposed a social phenomenon in society. 
 
THE MESSAGE:
Toxic positivity involves dismissing negative emotions and responding to distress with false reassurances rather than empathy. It comes from feeling uncomfortable with negative emotions. It is often well-intentioned but can cause alienation and a feeling of disconnection. After being diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder back in my teens, the thing I heard most from friends or family was "just don't think about it' or "think happy thoughts!" While well-meaning, that "advice" actually made me feel worse, because I wanted to be happy and think happy thoughts too! It's not for lack of trying that's for sure. Thus, this project's aim was to show the negative effects of toxic positivity and how it can affect the psyche of already
fragile minds. 
 
EXTERNAL VS INTERNAL:
Often, we want to prove to the world that we are "doing okay". Thus, what we show to the world externally, how we carry ourselves, may not be what we are really feeling inside. To show that difference, we had our model put on different facial expressions while the background and colours were contrasted (e.g. smiling vs drab background, sad vs bright background). 

THE INSTAGRAM PAGE:
To ensure that our message reach the right audience: young adults and teens, we decided to present the work in a series of Instagram posts under various satire accounts and locations. 

THE REFLECTION:
This project holds a special place in my heart. Not only was it fun to do, the juxtaposition of what we feel outside vs inside hits home for me. Hopefully our project shone a light on toxic positivity and how its common phrases or "advice" absolutely do not help at all. Sometimes we just need the space to feel sad, and not be pressured to "always be happy". Feeling sad is ok! 
  
Year: 2020