Re: Only In Brighton
Their inspiration came from the 2012 book Religion for Atheists by Alain de Botton, which introduced the idea of an electronic Wailing Wall for ordinary people's private thoughts to be shared publicly in cities.
There is a time and a place for sharing such thoughts and for me that is not a billboard at a railway station.
Over 5,000 messages have so far been anonymously sent to the board's website by travellers, with the most thought-provoking and honest being relayed in two-minute loops between adverts.
Stark revelations of loneliness, relationship regret, personal failure, sexual desires and forbidden love are common themes in the admissions.
People often 'make confessions' then feel foolish they did so later. This can add to their sense of loneliness and depression. I don't think these kind of messages really serve any useful purpose.
Some who are in a similar siltation may identify with them but that could have a negative effect too.