✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Here’s the deal: You’ve probably heard about friendship apps taking over the digital world, but are they worth your time and energy? As adults, making new friends can feel like an uphill battle. With …
Here’s the deal: You’ve probably heard about friendship apps taking over the digital world, but are they worth your time and energy? As adults, making new friends can feel like an uphill battle. With busy schedules and fewer opportunities to meet people organically, it’s no wonder we’re turning to technology for help. But do these apps really deliver on their promise of easier friendships? Let’s dive in.
First off, the appeal of friendship apps is clear: they connect you with people who are also open to building new relationships. “They give you access to people who are looking for a connection,” explains Jeffrey Hall, PhD, a professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas. This clarity can be a game-changer, considering most people have no idea if someone is genuinely interested in friendship or just being polite. Many apps even match strangers based on shared interests instead of age or location, which helps remove some of the initial awkwardness when meeting new people.
But, as with any online platform, there are challenges unique to building platonic bonds through a screen. According to Jess Carbino, PhD, former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble, “there are no clear markers to delineate the degree of commitment in friendships.” Unlike romantic relationships (which often have milestones like going from making plans twice a week to defining the relationship), platonic bonds can be harder to define. This lack of clarity can make it easy for people to question the success of their friendships, especially when they’re just starting out.
So, what can you do to make the most of friendship apps? Dr. Hall recommends viewing these platforms as “introduction services” to others who are in spaces you already enjoy. The most organic bonds (and the ones you’re most likely to maintain) tend to grow in environments where you’re comfortable and engaged, whether that’s a pottery studio, soccer league, or neighborhood supper club. It’s also important to remember that an app can only take you so far—at some point, you have to put in the effort to turn a digital connection into a real-life friendship.
💫 Some people might only be the ones you see at the dog park, book club, or Sunday morning yoga class, and that’s okay.
But don’t forget about the power of situational connections! Dr. Suzanne Degges-White points out that not all friendships need to be deep and meaningful. Some people might only be the ones you see at the dog park, book club, or Sunday morning yoga class, and that’s okay. Being open to these lighter, more casual relationships can help alleviate some of the pressure and allow bonds to develop naturally over time.
So, here’s a question for you: Have you tried any friendship apps? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below!
❓ People Also Ask
What are friendship apps and why are they rising in popularity?
Friendship apps are digital platforms designed to facilitate new friendships. Their popularity surges due to the need for social interaction during pandemic isolation and beyond.
Can friendship apps fix all problems with modern relationships?
No, friendship apps cannot completely mend issues in modern relationships as they only provide a platform for meeting new people; addressing deeper relationship concerns requires human understanding and empathy.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇