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

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.

"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."

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