AI-Powered Apps Combat Loneliness by Connecting Strangers

In a bid to combat loneliness, innovative applications are transforming how individuals connect. On a summer evening in San Francisco, JT Mason, a 25-year-old paramedic, attended a dinner with five strangers, facilitated by an app called 222. Unlike traditional dating platforms, 222 focuses on fostering friendships and genuine connections. Mason described his experience, stating, “I’m not getting the image that they want people to see. I’m getting the actual human being.”

Before attending the event, Mason completed an extensive questionnaire covering aspects such as values, interests, and character traits. Following dinner, he joined fellow users at a private art deco bar, all eager to forge new friendships or perhaps discover deeper connections. The app’s unique approach allows participants to provide feedback on their interactions, helping the system refine its matching algorithm over time.

Keyan Kazemian, co-founder of 222, explained that the app aims to enhance not only initial connections but also to cultivate long-lasting relationships. After his tenure at Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and Hinge, Kazemian recognized a gap in the market for apps that prioritize meaningful relationships over superficial swipes. He noted, “Most new technologies are actually placing people not with other humans, but with virtual entities,” highlighting the need for platforms dedicated to real social engagement.

The urgency of addressing loneliness has long been recognized by health professionals. In a 2017 statement, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy characterized the phenomenon as a “loneliness epidemic.” A 2023 report from Murthy emphasized the severe health implications of social disconnection, equating its mortality impact to that of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, surpassing the risks associated with obesity and physical inactivity. The report detailed increased risks of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and depression, attributing these outcomes to a decline in traditional social institutions, the rise of addictive digital platforms, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In New York, Isabella Epstein faced her own challenges in building connections after relocating in 2021 for an investment banking position. She described her efforts to connect with others as “emotionally challenging,” resorting to approaches with strangers to spark conversations. Over time, she developed a network by organizing impromptu events, which ultimately inspired her to launch her own app, Kndrd. Targeting women under 40, Kndrd allows users to suggest activities and find companions for them, further emphasizing the need for authentic connections.

Several other apps have arisen alongside 222 and Kndrd, including Timeleft, Plots, and Realroots, all attempting to address the growing need for meaningful interactions. Felix-Olivier Ngangue, an investor at Convivialite Ventures, noted that these platforms typically do not rely on users spending excessive time online, but rather on facilitating real-life meetings.

As society grapples with the complexities of modern relationships, AI-powered applications offer a promising avenue for individuals seeking to bridge the gap between loneliness and community. The ongoing efforts by innovators like Kazemian and Epstein reflect a broader recognition of the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world.