your story matters
1
Share your story
Say it how it really felt. As anonymous or open as you like. Your story sparks the honest conversations we all need around growing up online.
2
Help someone else feel less alone
With your permission, we share moments from your story on social media - helping others feel seen, understood, and less ashamed.
3
Turn it into change
Every story feeds into a youth-led manifesto that we will take to people in power - pushing for policy and education that actually reflects what it’s like to grow up online.
-
Your Privacy
If you share your first name and age with us, they will be the only details that we share with your story. For more details see our Privacy Policy.
-
Do’s and Don’ts
Responses that contain contact details, deeply graphic content, personally identifiable details, abusive submissions or spam won’t be published.
-
Trigger Warning
Stories may contain details of abuse or mental illness including self harm and suicide. If you are struggling, please seek support, and visit our Get Help page.
Read YOUR stories
Stories may contain details of abuse or mental illness including self harm and suicide. If you are struggling, please seek support, and visit our Get Help page.
a dopamine hit that I could rely on
I sent nude photos without my face in them to a stranger I met online. The first time I did this it felt exciting and naughty and I didn't think it was a risk, but it was always a secret. It wasn't something I needed to or wanted to share with people because I did feel dirty for doing it, but it also didn't feel shameful. maybe this is because it WAS a secret and there was no one to make me feel shameful. It didn't feel empowering, but I didn't think too much about it as, to my knowledge, there were no consequences. I was young, horny, and craved validation from men. obviously I was ultimately wanting to be loved, and this felt like a dopamine hit that I could rely on in the mean time. the second time I did this was after I had my first big breakup, I was sexting a stranger I'd met on a dating app and I was really sad. I felt unloveable after my breakup and so just wanted to feel desired. I didn't meet up with him and soon after I sexted him I deleted the app. It made me feel quite empty. I wouldn't do this again unless I were in a dark place, I think since I have now felt deep reciprocal connective love, it feels so pointless and like something that I don't benefit from anymore, not even in terms of validation.
I saw how the internet could be both a tool for empowerment and a battleground for truth
Growing up online, I navigated the intersection of creativity, free speech, and social justice while building networks that amplified real stories that needed urgent media and press attention. The digital space became a platform for advocacy, storytelling, and impact—especially when mainstream media failed to highlight systemic injustices.
Aquayemi-Claude
Started Using Social Media in 2010
THe internet shaped us. now we’re shaping it
Join us