As people look for ways to make new friends, here are the apps promising to help | TechCrunch

"In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General labeled loneliness and social isolation a public health crisis, highlighting the urgent need for meaningful connections among individuals."

"Over a dozen local-focused friendship apps have collectively generated approximately $16 million in consumer spending in the U.S. so far this year, indicating a strong market demand."

"These platforms clearly indicate that everyone using the app is looking for the same thing - friendship, not romance - making it much less intimidating to initiate conversations."

"The app 222 facilitates in-person meetups by pairing a group of strangers based on their personality test results, allowing for more comfortable social interactions."

Loneliness and social isolation have become significant issues, prompting the U.S. Surgeon General to label it a public health crisis. Remote workers and younger individuals are particularly seeking platonic connections. The stigma around online connections has diminished, leading to the emergence of friendship-focused apps. These apps have generated around $16 million in consumer spending in 2023 and have seen approximately 4.3 million downloads. They offer a less intimidating way to meet new people, with various platforms catering to the demand for meaningful friendships.

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