More People Are Paying for Apps to Make New Friends

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 31, 2026

Paid apps like 222 and Real Roots are increasingly hosting in-person social events to help users combat loneliness by fostering face-to-face connections based on shared activities. As loneliness affects a majority of adults, these platforms are rapidly expanding across cities, though user experiences differ on how effectively they create lasting friendships.

A growing number of people are turning to paid apps that facilitate in-person social connections, reflecting a rising demand for authentic human interactions amid widespread feelings of loneliness. These platforms organize events where strangers can meet face-to-face, often centered around shared activities designed to foster natural socializing.

One such app, 222, originated from a college research project at the University of California, Irvine. Co-founders Arman Roshannai, Keyan Kazemian, and Danial Hashemi initially sought to explore whether personality survey data could predict social compatibility. After receiving a modest grant and conducting surveys, the group transitioned from virtual meetings to hosting in-person dinners, eventually founding 222 as a full-time business in 2023. The company now operates in 21 cities across the United States, hosting at least one event daily. 222 charges a $22 monthly fee for matchmaking and event curation, with additional costs depending on the specific activity, such as a class or meal. The start-up saw revenue triple last year and projects a fourfold increase this year, reaching high seven figures.

The concept aligns with findings from a 2024 Harvard study revealing that about 67 percent of adults report social-emotional loneliness, often stemming from a lack of belonging to a meaningful group. Nearly half of those experiencing loneliness expressed uncertainty about how to cultivate close friendships. Harvard psychologist Richard Weissbourd described the current period as a "fragile time," especially for younger generations facing various vulnerabilities.

Participants have responded positively to the structured yet casual approach. Sylvia Le, a 25-year-old marketing professional who moved to New York earlier this year, paid roughly $170 to join a 222-organized hiking trip in Hudson Valley. She described the activity as a way to ease social interactions that might otherwise feel awkward when the sole purpose is meeting new people.

Other start-ups have entered the market amid this surge. Real Roots, launched in 2024 by Dorothy Li after she struggled to build friendships upon moving to San Francisco, offers women’s group activities ranging from bowling to scavenger hunts, currently available in 120 cities. Timeleft, founded by Max Barbier, organizes stranger dinners and is operating in over 200 cities after a 2023 relaunch.

While many users report success, some express skepticism about the apps’ effectiveness in forging deep connections. Alex Cheney, 34, participated in multiple events but did not establish meaningful friendships, noting that developing close bonds often requires ongoing, co-created interaction beyond initial matching. Conversely, others have found lasting friendships. Lauren Valenti, a 38-year-old finance assistant in San Francisco, attended a Real Roots meet-up last February and established a supportive friend group, maintaining regular contact and sharing personal advice.

As loneliness remains prevalent, these apps represent an emerging effort to bridge social gaps by combining digital matchmaking with real-world engagement. However, user experiences vary, underscoring the complex nature of building genuine relationships.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.