- Friendship apps are emerging to combat rising loneliness and social isolation, mirroring the success of dating apps.
- Several platforms, including 222, Bumble, Clyx, Les Amís, Meetup, and Pie, are vying for market share with various approaches to fostering platonic connections.
- Consumer spending and app downloads in this friendship app market are significant, indicating a growing willingness to use technology to build social circles.

A: Hey! Did you hear about this new trend? Friendship apps!

B: Friendship apps? What are those? Like, for finding friends?

A: Exactly! Apparently, a lot of people are feeling lonely. Even the US Surgeon General said it’s a big problem.

B: Wow, really? So, people are using apps to find friends now? That’s interesting.

A: Yeah! It's partly because of remote work - people miss hanging out with colleagues. And younger people want to make friends based on hobbies.

B: Makes sense! I guess it's similar to dating apps, but for platonic friends.

A: Totally! And people are spending a lot of money on them! Over 16 million dollars last year, apparently.

B: Crazy! I saw an ad for one the other day. I think it was called 222? Something about matching you for meetups.

A: Oh yeah! It's iOS only, and they charge a fee. Then there’s Bumble - they have a friend-finding app too! It’s free to download.

B: Bumble doing friendship? That’s a surprise!

A: There’s also Clyx. It helps you find local events and see which friends are going.

B: Sounds useful! I'm always looking for things to do.

A: And Les Amís is for women and LGBTQ+ people. They use AI to match you based on interests!

B: That’s great! More inclusive options are important.

A: Even Meetup, you know, the old event platform, is getting in on it! They’re focusing on people over 40 now.

B: Seriously? Like picnics and concerts?

A: Yep! And another one, Pie, uses AI for group events.

B: It sounds like a whole new world of apps! Do you think they're actually helpful?

A: I think so! People are realizing how important friends are. And they're willing to use technology to find them.