FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pal: A Groundbreaking App to Address Loneliness and Social Media Dependency

Drew Tozer, a fourth-year student at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, has unveiled Pal, a revolutionary blockchain and AI-powered app designed to combat loneliness in young adults struggling with social media dependencies. Inspired by the adverse effects of social media on mental health, Tozer's objective was to create an accessible and friendly app that supports and encourages lonely young adults to make healthy transitions for their mental and physical well-being.

Pal stands out with its unique features, including personal health widgets to track user progress and suggest personalized tips, as well as social widgets that promote users to meet up and build meaningful friendships and habits offline. The app's innovative approach aims to reduce loneliness and foster positive lifestyle changes among its users.

Utilizing Sketch for a user-centered experience and Adobe Illustrator for illustrations, Tozer's prototype focuses on a speculative user profile, reflecting insights gathered from extensive user interviews and research. The app's AI system collects and analyzes data to track user progress and provide tailored recommendations, while also monitoring routine and social media usage to encourage healthy habits.

Pal's innovative features include a routine builder, local event calendar, chat with a professional, and a personal progress tracker, all aimed at promoting meaningful face-to-face connections and engagement with hobbies to reduce loneliness. The app's smart interface prompts users to record physical health measures, recommends helpful tips, and notifies them of upcoming events, fostering a supportive and engaging user experience.

Pal has received prestigious recognition, winning the Silver A' Design Award in Mobile Technologies, Applications, and Software Design in 2020. Tozer's innovative approach and dedication to addressing the challenges of social media dependency-driven loneliness have earned Pal acclaim for its outstanding expertise, innovation, and positive impact on users' well-being.

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