Lenovo’s AI Avatars Raises Awareness of Gen Z Mental Health Crisis
In an ambitious social experiment, Lenovo leveraged AI to spotlight the role of technology in addressing the mental health crisis among Gen Z. The ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ project, part of Lenovo’s Work For Humankind initiative, bridges the gap between young people’s online and offline lives, hoping to help alleviate feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
According to Lenovo’s research, 67% of Gen Z respondents feel disconnected between their offline and online selves. Nearly half cite that it’s easier to express themselves online, while 60% say they desire to have a difficult conversation with family ones in real life. Meanwhile, 48% believe talking to a professional would boost their confidence in real-world interactions.
Lenovo facilitated a social experiment that utilized AI to create personas and lifelike avatars of Gen Z participants to bring to life unscripted natural conversations with family members who were previously unaware or unaccepting of their online identities—conversations that are often difficult for Gen Zers experiencing an identity crisis.
“Ultimately, we hope that through our ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ social experiment, we can spark meaningful conversations that contribute to the mental well-being of individuals and communities worldwide,” said Emily Ketchen, Global Vice President and CMO of Intelligent Devices Group and International Markets at Lenovo.
Lenovo has partnered with mental health organizations in the U.S., U.K., and Japan to provide 24/7 support and resources to those in need. It partners with Crisis Text Line in the U.S., offering confidential text-based mental health support in English and Spanish. In the U.K., Lenovo collaborates with Shout, a 24/7 text support service, and in Japan, it works with Anata no Ibasho.
See an example of the ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ project leveraging AI:
https://lenovowfh.com/oscar/
From Tech-First to Food-Centric: sweetgreen’s Evolution
Los Angeles-based sweetgreen was once known for its tech-first approach rather than the food on its menu. However, the fast-casual food chain has successfully rebranded itself to emphasize food quality following the pandemic—which propelled a shift toward prioritizing health-focused menus using quality ingredients and responsible sourcing, particularly among Gen Zers with the most spending power.
“I think technology needs to start to flow into the background and just make a really good seamless experience where our food can really shine,” said Michael Kotick, VP, Head of Marketing at sweetgreen. “Food has always been the backbone of who we are and why we get up every day.”
In 2021, sweetgreen’s acquisition of Spyce, a robotics automation company, led to the creation of the Infinite Kitchen units, which improved efficiency and customer experience. By 2024, these units increased average checks by 10% and profit margins by 7%, demonstrating the success of integrating technology to enhance, rather than overshadow, the food experience.
The brand has focused on health-conscious menus and innovative flavors and made several strategic menu changes. The company introduced steak nationwide after a successful test in Boston, which addresses consumer demand for protein variety and offers perceived value despite its higher price point. During the Boston test, the caramelized garlic steak was chosen in one out of every five transactions, indicating strong customer approval.
Learn more about sweetgreen’s mission here:
https://www.sweetgreen.com/mission
Bojangles Supports Little League and Miracle League with Bo’s Bird Dog Tour
Bojangles recently wrapped up a tour promoting its new limited-time offering, Bo’s Bird Dog, which features a Bojangles Chicken Supreme tender in a split-top bun and topped with thick-cut pickles and Carolina Gold sauce. As part of the tour, Bojangles surprised attendees at local Little League and Miracle League games with free Bo’s Bird Dogs. Attendees simply had to download the Bojangles app to take advantage of the offer. Bojangles has already catered pre- and post-game meals for sports families and fans, so the limited-time offering was a great way to sample Bo’s Bird Dig.
“The idea for the Bo’s Bird Dog came to be when one of our own employees needed a quick, delicious way to feed a group of young athletes in between games,” says Tom Boland, CMO of Bojangles. “This tour was the perfect way to introduce our new menu item and seeing the excitement from the kids and knowing that our contributions will support Miracle League programs was incredibly rewarding.”
Beyond the delicious food, Bojangles demonstrated its community spirit by donating $500 to the Miracle League at each tour stop in North and South Carolina, totaling $2,500. The Miracle League enhances the lives of kids with disabilities through sports.
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Check out this In-Depth Exclusive with Bojangles:
Shaping the Customer Experience with the Right Technology and a Dash of Southern Hospitality
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Original Article Links:
Lenovo Powers AI Avatars to Explore the Role of Technology in Mental Health
How Sweetgreen turned itself into a restaurant that’s known for food quality instead of a technology startup that happens to sell food
Bojangles Gives Back to Little League and Miracle League Games