AmiSight 11/7: The Rise of Face-to-Face Friend-Finding Platforms

It’s no secret that making friends as an adult is hard—especially when you're in a new place or starting a new job. According to a 2023 Meta-Gallup report, nearly one in four adults worldwide feel very or fairly lonely, with the highest rates found among young adults aged 19-29.

In response, a wave of anti-loneliness clubs, apps, and community groups have popped up recently. These groups aren’t online chat groups – they actually result in small groups of like-minded people meeting face-to-face for dinner or other activities. 

Vice takes a look at a few of these platforms, including TimeLeft, California’s Groundfloor club, The Lonely Girls Club in London and Manchester, and the well-known Meetup.

While it remains uncertain whether these groups effectively combat loneliness and foster lasting friendships, their growing popularity is undeniable. And like making friends organically, you need to put your nervousness and self-doubt aside and take the first step.