CompliMap: A kind social media

As a mechanical engineering major and a member of the Honors College, Zeke understands the challenges of balancing stress and positivity. One week during finals he was de-stressing on a hike, and found a mailbox full of notes at the summit. Zeke noticed that everyone was reaching out for the same thing: words of encouragement. “If I have a positive idea that can make someone smile, why can’t I share that with them?” As a former member of student government, Zeke saw how small acts of kindness could go a long way to creating a positive environment.

Being at the U college and a member of a fraternity gave Zeke the perfect opportunity to  workshop  a platform with the intention of spreading positivity. With the help from some friends and roommates,  Zeke built a prototype. The platform allows people in close proximity to one another to interact , with a requirement for spreading kindness and positive messages. Working in the Doman Innovation Studio, he is taking a step back to think beyond just the features of the app, and explore what positive interactions in an online space look like. Growing up in the digital age with social media provides Zeke with a unique perspective on the opportunities and responsibilities when creating a new online platform.  Zeke hopes to shift the norms of social media and create a space for connection that enhances the real world experience, rather than distracting from it.