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I’m always scanning the online horizon to see what cool and captivating initiatives Baha’is are up to and I was particularly charmed to stumble upon an Instagram profile called The Deep Ask where youth answer profound questions with thoughtful and refreshing honesty. The videos are produced by Kassra Habibi and he generously agreed to tell me about his channel. But before we get to his answers, here’s an introductory video about The Deep Ask:
Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Kassra. I was born in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 and have lived here ever since. I’m currently studying a double degree in Business and IT at Monash University. Outside of university, work, and content, I love food, fashion, travelling, FC Barcelona, and my junior youth group—though not necessarily in that order.
Can you please tell us a little bit about The Deep Ask?
The Deep Ask is a social media page where I interview young people between the ages of 18 and 30, posing questions that invite genuine reflection and elevated thought. Most of the interviews are with strangers I approach in public spaces. The responses aren’t always polished or articulate, and I truly value that. I seek raw, unfiltered and honest expressions of one’s thoughts. Rather than rehearsed ideas where the result is overly performative.
What inspired you to create this platform? What kinds of questions do you ask participants?
I’ve always enjoyed creating content, but for a long time I wasn’t sure what kind of content to make and what wasn’t already saturated. Eventually, I realised how much I enjoyed watching street interviews. But as I spent more time with that kind of content, I noticed a pattern: a lot of it, especially the content geared towards younger audiences, focused on topics that were entertaining but often quite shallow; from pure degeneracy to what some might call “brain rot” content.
Now, I think it’s important to say—I enjoy watching light-hearted content too. I love humour, fun, and just switching off. There’s absolutely a place for that. In fact, I think it’s necessary. But I also saw a gap, what if the same street interview format—approachable, accessible, engaging—was used to ask questions that invite reflection, curiosity, or even a bit of discomfort? Questions that help people think more deeply about themselves and the world around them?
That idea started to take shape alongside my exposure to the Ruhi institute and ISGP materials over the years, which consistently highlight the importance of reflection, consultation, and conscious contribution to society. These materials planted the seed that maybe I could create a space where those kinds of questions could live in a form that’s digestible for a wider audience. Especially for young people who might never come across these conversations otherwise. The questions I ask vary a lot. I have a list of about 50+ now so it would be a waste to write them here. These questions are written by myself, suggested by friends and family, and brainstormed with AI. Some topics I cover include communication, friendship, education, self-development, generational change, the future, and community.
Who is its audience?
The target audience is the 15-30 age range. However, I’ve found that the content has resonated with people outside that age group too—older viewers who appreciate the honesty, or parents who are curious about what younger generations are really thinking. Ultimately, the platform is open for anyone who finds value in the content.
What do you hope viewers will take away with them?
I hope viewers walk away feeling a little more connected, not just to others, but to themselves. When you hear someone your age talk openly about doubt, improvement, purpose, or loneliness, it reminds you that you’re not the only one thinking about those things. That can be comforting, but it can also be a quiet push to reflect on your own beliefs and choices. I also hope that it encourages more meaningful conversations that results in positive action in individuals lives and those people surrounding them.
What is something you’ve learned in the process of creating this initiative?
This project has taught me a lot about myself. I’ve realised I’m capable of more than I thought—especially when it comes to communicating with people, handling rejection, and putting myself out there. I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone over and over again, and that’s helped build my confidence in a real, steady way. Things like approaching strangers, staying consistent, and learning how to ask better questions have pushed me to grow as a person.
But this has barely been about me—it’s also been a window into the social landscape young people are navigating today. What I’ve seen, again and again, is a generation craving connection, but hesitant to reach for it. There’s a level of social anxiety and fear of judgment that’s far more widespread than I initially realised. A lot of people want to be heard but don’t feel confident enough to speak, or they’ve internalised the idea that vulnerability in public spaces will be met with ridicule rather than respect.
I’ve also noticed a quiet erosion of communication itself. With so much of our interaction happening through screens—often fast, filtered, and fragmented—the art of conversation feels, at times, like it’s slipping away. It’s not just a loss of vocabulary or tone, it’s the fading of real human connection. We’re losing familiarity with silence, with reflection, with the slow rhythm of real dialogue. And yet, that’s exactly what so many people are yearning for. To be met with sincerity, to be drawn into a space where they can think out loud and not be penalised for it.
What I’ve learned about myself is inseparable from what I’ve seen in others. The same barriers I had to overcome to create this space are the ones many young people are quietly carrying. In that sense, The Deep Ask has become more than a page—it’s become a practice. A practice of listening. Of asking. Of remembering that beneath all our differences, there’s a shared longing to be understood.
Thank you so much, Kassra, for taking the time to share this with us!
You can find The Deep Ask on Instagram.
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Baha’i beliefs address essential spiritual themes for humanity’s collective and individual advancement. Learn more about these and more.
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