The Unsent Project

The Unsent Project collects anonymous text messages written to first loves but never sent. Founded by artist Rora Blue in 2015, the platform archived over 5 million submissions by 2025. Each message pairs with a color chosen by the submitter to represent their emotions.

The Unsent Project Growth Statistics and Timeline

The platform launched with 100 submissions during its first year. Growth remained steady until 2020 when the archive reached 1.25 million messages.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a submission surge. Messages increased by 300% during 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels. The archive exceeded 5 million total submissions by 2025.

The Unsent Project Color System Statistics

The platform categorizes submissions using 11 distinct colors. Users select one color to represent their feelings toward the message recipient.

Blue emerged as the most selected color across all submissions. Red ranked second among users expressing intense feelings mixed with pain. Similar to how AI innovations transform creative expression, The Unsent Project uses color coding to visualize emotional patterns.

The Unsent Project Daily Submission and Moderation Statistics

Rora Blue personally reviews between 50 and 100 submissions each day. Manual approval became mandatory for all messages in July 2023.

Users can submit one message per day maximum. This limitation prevents spam while maintaining archive quality.

The Unsent Project Content Permanence Policy

Messages remain searchable indefinitely after approval. The platform offers no deletion option once submissions enter the archive.

Users can filter the database by name or color. This accessibility transforms individual expressions into a collective emotional record. The platform’s approach to digital permanence differs from AI-generated content where outputs are temporary.

Mental Health Research Behind The Unsent Project Statistics

Meta-analysis across 400+ studies examined expressive writing and health outcomes. Research published in 2025 demonstrated measurable effects on psychological wellbeing.

Positive expressive writing reduced depression symptoms with a Cohen’s d of -0.45 compared to control groups. Social anxiety symptoms showed identical improvement rates.

These findings suggest anonymous expression platforms provide psychological benefits without direct therapeutic intervention. The research supports The Unsent Project’s value as an emotional outlet.

Gen Z User Demographics and Behavior in The Unsent Project

Gen Z individuals form the platform’s primary user base. This generation shows the highest engagement with anonymous digital expression outlets.

According to 2025 research, 66% of Gen Z respondents reported social media impacts their mental health. Additionally, 53% spend four or more hours daily on social platforms.

A 2024 Harris Poll of 1,006 Gen Z adults revealed nuanced results. While 45% reported positive emotional health impacts, 61% perceived positive social health benefits from social platforms.

Anonymous Expression Preferences in The Unsent Project

Time Magazine research found 55% of Gen Z prefer content that does not remain online permanently. This preference aligns with temporary Stories features across major platforms.

However, The Unsent Project operates opposite to this trend. Messages remain searchable indefinitely, suggesting users value permanent anonymous expression differently than identified social media content. Just as virtual worlds can become permanent archives, The Unsent Project preserves emotional expressions long-term.

Pandemic Impact on The Unsent Project Submissions

The 300% submission surge during COVID-19 reflected broader digital expression patterns. Physical isolation increased reliance on virtual emotional outlets.

Multiple studies confirmed over 60% of Gen Z received medical diagnoses for anxiety during this period. The generation reported the poorest mental health rates compared to all other age groups according to 2024 Gallup research.

Research from 2024 demonstrated expressive writing showed particular efficacy for individuals experiencing elevated distress. The anonymous nature provided safety during heightened vulnerability periods. Similar to how creative generation tools offer safe spaces for expression, The Unsent Project provided emotional refuge during isolation.

Media Coverage and The Unsent Project Recognition

The Unsent Project received coverage from major media outlets. Features appeared in Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Huffington Post, Refinery29, and Good Morning America.

TikTok content significantly amplified platform awareness. Videos showing users searching their names in the archive generated periodic traffic surges among Gen Z audiences.

The hashtag #unsentproject gained traction across social platforms. This viral content drove discovery while maintaining the platform’s core anonymous expression model. The project’s reach extends globally, much like how online platforms connect worldwide communities.

Rora Blue’s initial question about color associations evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The platform documents shared human experiences through simple text messages. Users find connection through reading others’ unsent words. The project demonstrates how interactive digital spaces can facilitate emotional expression without traditional social media pressures.