Would you pay for an algorithm to pick your friends? New social apps spread across cities
With many adults admitting they feel lonely, meetup platforms offer the chance to make new connections Would you pay £20 a month for the chance of making a friend, on the understanding that an algorithm – not you – gets to decide who you’ll meet? Driven by the decline of “third spaces” such as youth centres and pubs, an increase in remote working and rising loneliness – 40% of adults aged 16 to…
As loneliness grows among adults, paid social clubs are emerging to help people make connections. These platforms use algorithms to match users based on shared interests, lifestyles and professions, then match them to events. Companies like PLY and Agora offer monthly subscriptions ranging from £9.99 to £20, providing access to exclusive events and discounts.
Proponents argue that the structured approach and peer-to-peer interaction make it easier to forge meaningful friendships, while critics question whether paying for socializing is ethical. Some users, like 29-year-old Charlotte Johnson, appreciate the flexibility of pay-per-event options, while others like 28-year-old Giovanna Giusi prefer a mix of free and paid events to meet their budget constraints.
Despite the debate, these clubs aim to address the rising issue of loneliness and provide a structured way to meet new people, although their long-term sustainability remains to be seen.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Technology's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
