New storytelling website with Dutch ties helps families connect across generations
A new website launched this month promises to help families bridge gaps between generations. Using artificial intelligence (AI), the storytelling tool from British startup TELL Ltd. allows families to easily create and share personal stories instead of impersonal social media posts.
Dutch entrepreneur Anieke Lamers, one of the company's co-founders, explained to NL Times that the stories shared often evoke a wide range of emotions. Whether they are sad or happy stories, they help build a lasting connection between generations through storytelling.
The web-based application guides users so they can share their family memories in a unique way, whether it is a fun retelling of a tale for Mother's Day, or honoring someone on May 4. The date, Remembrance Day, is when the Netherlands commemorates those who have died in wars and other peacekeeping missions since World War II.
It starts by guiding users through a series of questions so they can share details of their story. The website then uses AI to create an elaborated version of the memory, complete with a series of illustrations. Users can share these online for free, or create printed versions of their stories as a keepsake.
"I made 'The Story of Grandpa' for my family, telling the impressive story of my Indonesian-Dutch grandfather during the Second World War in which he was captured in a Japanese-prison camp. With the Storyteller, I was able to turn this emotional memory into a compelling story that we share with the whole family on Remembrance Day," said one TELL user in a statement. "It is more than a story; it is our way of keeping history alive and strengthening our family bonds."
"With this new tool, we want to encourage families to share and cherish their stories. It is a unique way to strengthen ties, connect generations and preserve important memories," Lamers said. It builds on her previous work with Peekabond, the Amsterdam tech startup TELL acquired late last year.
Peekabond launched an app to improve feelings of connectedness between family members scattered all over the world. Lamers came up with the idea as she looked for a new way to bond with her young niece in Australia with a more active connection despite the time difference. The video messenger app uses games and other ways to get participants to take part in activities regardless of where they are, or their current time zone.
