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

In an era where social isolation and loneliness have surged, the quest for genuine friendships has become more critical than ever. The U.S. Surgeon General even declared this growing concern a public health crisis in 2023. With remote work becoming the norm and younger generations striving to establish adult connections rooted in shared passions, many are turning to technology for help. Gone are the days when seeking friends online carried a stigma. Thanks to the rise of various friendship-focused applications, users can now connect without the awkwardness of traditional approaches, such as striking up a conversation with a stranger at the gym. Recent estimates from SensorTower reveal that over a dozen new local friendship apps have generated around $16 million in consumer spending in the U.S. this year alone, amassing approximately 4.3 million downloads. Among the notable platforms is 222, an iOS-exclusive app that facilitates in-person gatherings by grouping users based on personality traits. It sends invitations for nearby public events, allowing participants to connect in relaxed settings like wine bars or comedy clubs. The app charges a $22.22 fee for curation and monthly subscriptions for similar services, with a plus-one option to ease social anxieties. Bumble, a well-known name in the dating world, has also ventured into friendship with its BFF feature, which became an independent app in 2023. With a revamped design, it prioritizes group meetups, catering to users eager to expand their social circles. Available for free on both iOS and Android, BFF also offers premium features for a subscription. Clyx is another rising star, focusing on local event discovery by integrating data from platforms like Ticketmaster and TikTok. Users can see which events their friends are attending while discovering new connections. Currently available in Miami and London, Clyx plans to expand to cities like New York and São Paulo soon. Les Amis is a unique platform designed for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ individuals, using AI to match users based on shared interests. The app encourages participation in local activities such as pottery classes or book clubs, and matches are made weekly, facilitating chats and meetups. For those over 40, Wyzr Friends offers an activity-based approach to friendship, allowing users to thumbs up or down potential connections based on interests like movies or hiking. This app is available across multiple countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Lastly, Pie introduces an innovative AI-driven quiz that helps users identify compatible friends. Those who RSVP to events complete a personality assessment, and the app organizes them into small groups for pre-event chats. Currently available only in select cities like Austin and Chicago, Pie aims to foster meaningful interactions before users meet in person. As the demand for genuine friendships continues to rise, these applications are stepping up to bridge the gap, making social connections more accessible and enjoyable than ever.