Small talk can have big benefits

Published on 12 October 2023

The City of Hobart is encouraging people to consider the benefits of striking up a conversation with a stranger this Mental Health Week with a creative project from the mind of artist Rose Turtle Ertler.

Hello Stranger! will be presented at the Salamanca and Farmgate Markets and encourages the public to listen to a soundtrack recorded with local teenagers and older people and then say hello to the stranger opposite them.

Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet said loneliness was a serious and growing problem affecting people of all ages.

“We often associate social isolation with something that older people experience,” Cr Burnet said.

“But social contact has been decreasing across all age groups for decades and young people have actually experienced the biggest decline.

“While young people still get together with friends more often than adults over 25, they are doing so 17% less than their peers were in 2001.” [1]

Welcoming and Inclusive Portfolio Chair Dr Cr Zelinda Sherlock said humans were social creatures at heart.

“Human interaction is so important to our mental wellbeing, but with technology and AI taking over more of our day to day lives we are getting less and less contact with real people,” Cr Sherlock said.

“The idea of starting a conversation with someone we don’t know can be a bit intimidating, but it is actually be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your mental health.”

Project creator Rose Turtle Ertler explained numerous studies had shown the benefits of talking to strangers to reduce feelings of loneliness, combat depression and improve social skills.

“I see many lonely and isolated people in my life and sometimes feel lonely myself. I noticed how a chat with a friendly stranger can be really helpful and actually make me feel inspired,” Ms Ertler said.

“I’m hoping everyone will enjoy the experience of listening to a soundtrack made by an intergenerational group of locals who were not really sure what they were getting themselves into but were keen to be part of something different.”

Fifteen-year-old Caroline Shannon helped to record the soundtrack for Hello Stranger! and said the internet had a big part to play in our growing disconnection.

“It’s hard to make friends when people are not talking face to face as much anymore,” Miss Shannon said.

“Recording the soundtrack was such a positive experience for everyone.

“Many of the older people were over 80 and they had so much life experience to share.

“I even made some friends and got their phone numbers and emails so we can keep chatting!”

Seventy-three-year-old Jeanette Gilbert was one of the participants at the older end of the age spectrum.

“Like a lot of people, I experienced feelings of loneliness and isolation through COVID and found it difficult to reconnect with people even after things opened back up,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Talking to strangers provides a way to have a positive social interaction each day.”

Hello Stranger! will be presented 10-1pm:

Hello Stranger! - City of Hobart, Tasmania Australia (hobartcity.com.au)

[1] Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/social-isolation-and-loneliness Ends.