Perspectives: Third Spaces

Across every generation, we’re more connected than ever, through screens, networks, and constant communication and yet, in countless ways, we’re more alone.In this episode of Perspectives, we consider a question (actually one that came from one of our tweens!):What happened to the spaces where young people could just… hang out?Not structured.Not constantly supervised.Not needing to be productive or “on”.Just… space to be.We’re joined by Paul Billingsley, co-founder of Moot, rethinking where teenagers can actually spend time together; Janeane Bernstein, founder of the Outside the Box Institute, creating gentle, tech-free spaces for creativity and connection; and Sophia Kaur Badhan, bringing a young person’s perspective into policy, advocacy, and real-world change.We find ourselves talking about everything from teenage loneliness and social anxiety to the quieter disappearance of places where young people can just go to decompress.And we keep coming back to a few things:* why “designing for young people” doesn’t always land the way we think it will* how creativity and play can open the door to real connection* and why some of the smallest moments, a conversation, a shared activity, even something as simple as a free flower, can matter far more than we realiseThis conversation isn’t really about nostalgia. It’s more a gentle nudge to rethink how we’re creating connection in a world that’s increasingly lived online. And considering ways in which we can get involved, no matter how small.Have a listen if you’re thinking about young people, community, intergenerational cooperation and ways in which we can connect better. Get full access to The Informed Perspective at theinformedperspective.substack.com/subscribe