Friendship Apps Help Fight the Loneliness Epidemic
According to a 2023 Meta-Gallup survey of more than 140 countries, almost 1 in 4 people experience loneliness. In addition, it has been found that people with good friends feel less lonely during different stages of their lives. This is where friendship apps come into the picture. They can be an antidote to the loneliness epidemic as they offer a revolutionary platform dedicated to fostering authentic friendships and alleviating the pervasive loneliness that plagues urban communities.
As cities grow and people lead increasingly fast-paced lives, the rise of social isolation has become a concerning trend. Friendship apps like Alyke recognize the importance of human connection and aim to provide a solution to combat loneliness by facilitating the formation of genuine friendships.
Mr Jyotiraditya Vajpayee, Founder and CEO of Alyke, India’s first friendship app, emphasizing the significance of fostering genuine friendships in today's digital age, says, “In a world saturated with dating apps and superficial connections, it's time to shift our focus to building real, lasting friendships. Alyke is more than just another app; it's a movement to bring people together, reduce loneliness, and create meaningful connections that enrich lives.”
Talking about the importance of friendship apps, Ms Shivani Misri Sadhoo, Psychologist and Relationship Counsellor, says, “Friendship apps can help address the loneliness epidemic as these platforms provide individuals with an accessible avenue to connect with like-minded individuals, forming a sense of belonging and emotional support. The structured nature of these apps lets users engage in conversations with people they may not have encountered otherwise, expanding their social network. Moreover, these apps could serve as a stepping stone toward building real-world connections for those struggling with social anxiety or difficulty initiating face-to-face interactions.”
Unlike prevalent dating apps that often prioritize one’s superficial traits and fail to meet the need for real connections, friendship apps are designed exclusively for individuals seeking meaningful, platonic relationships. Alyke app's intuitive interface and advanced matching algorithms ensure that users can connect with like-minded individuals who share common interests and values.
Friendship apps go beyond the conventional social networking experience. For instance, Alyke’s ‘Female Only’ filter helps women users get a safe and comfortable space to meet new friends. The app's commitment to user privacy and safety ensures that individuals can connect confidently and authentically. In addition, the ‘Instant Friend’ option promptly identifies people with those who match their vibes in a flash. Alyke is currently available for download on Android phones and will expand its reach to iOS in the coming months.
