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Meeting new people can introduce fresh perspectives, deepen your support network and create opportunities to share activities. A mobile app can make it easier to find a local group or event around an interest you already have—but it cannot guarantee friendship or replace the work of building a relationship.
Why meeting new people can matter
Social connection is not simply a count of contacts. The CDC describes it in terms that include the size and diversity of a person’s network, their roles and relationships, and the quality of those connections. The useful goal is not to collect as many contacts as possible; it is to have relationships and support that fit your needs.
Supportive connection is associated with health and well-being, but that does not mean adding acquaintances will prevent illness or treat loneliness. In 2025, the World Health Organization reported a global estimate that about one in six people experience loneliness. It also estimated that loneliness is linked to approximately 871,000 deaths annually; this is an estimate of deaths linked to loneliness, not a count of individually confirmed deaths caused by it. WHO’s 2025 report on social connection discusses these figures and the broader health context.
10 potential reasons to meet new people
These are possible benefits, not guaranteed outcomes. The first seven reflect what respondents reported in an analysis of the 2022 Canadian Social Connection Survey; the final three are practical possibilities supported by the CDC’s recommendations and the evidence summarized by Social Connection Guidelines.
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- Hear perspectives you might not encounter otherwise. In the 2023 Social Connection Guidelines analysis, 55.3% of 615 respondents said meeting new people helped them consider new perspectives. That is a reported perception, not proof that new connections cause a particular change.
- Find opportunities for a lift in mood. In the same survey analysis, 36.6% said meeting new people improved their mood. Individual experiences vary.
- Broaden your social network. 36.4% of the respondents said it helped them build a stronger social network. A wider network can bring people with different interests, experiences and roles into your life.
- Feel less lonely. 32.8% said meeting new people helped them feel less lonely. This describes what those respondents reported; it does not establish that meeting someone will relieve loneliness for everyone.
- Have more chances to support others. New relationships can create opportunities to offer practical help, encouragement or a listening ear, as well as receive support in return.
- Make room for meaningful conversations. A new connection may make it easier to discuss a subject that does not come up with your current circle. The quality and trust in a relationship matter more than how recently you met.
- Build professional connections. People you meet through a shared activity or community may introduce you to ideas, skills or work opportunities. A social encounter is not a guaranteed career advantage, but it can broaden who you know.
- Practice starting conversations. Low-pressure interactions around a shared interest can give you a reason to introduce yourself and ask questions. Repeated practice may make initiating contact feel more familiar, though it is not a substitute for support if social anxiety is significantly affecting your life.
- Try new roles and shared activities. Joining a group can let you participate as a learner, volunteer, teammate or organizer—roles that may not be part of your usual routine.
- Refresh your network as life changes. Moves, job changes, caregiving and other transitions can alter who is available day to day. Meeting people over time can help create new connections when your circumstances or interests shift.
How a mobile app can help you take a first step
Use the app as a discovery and coordination tool, not as a measure of how connected you are. UK government research reports that social media can help people learn about local events, while also noting that digital exclusion can prevent some people from using those routes. The CDC recommends shared-interest groups and cautions against screen time distracting from in-person connection.
- Start with an interest you genuinely enjoy. Think of an activity you would do even if you did not meet anyone: a walking group, a language exchange, a craft session or volunteering.
- Search for a nearby group or event. Use an app’s event or group discovery tools, where available, to find an activity in your area. Check the event details, location and any participation requirements before committing.
- Choose a manageable first outing. A short, structured activity can give you something to focus on besides conversation. Consider accessibility, travel and cost; being able to discover an event online does not make it affordable or accessible.
- RSVP or send one clear invitation. For example: “I’m planning to go to the Saturday beginners’ walk. Would you like to join?” Keep the plan specific, and accept that the other person may not be available.
- Put attention on the people and activity once you arrive. Ask about the shared interest, listen, and let conversation develop naturally. The app helped arrange the opportunity; the in-person interaction is where you learn whether you want to stay in touch.
When deciding whether to use an app, look for services that actually operate in your location and suit your age group. Compare the kind of connection they support, local group and event discovery, accessibility and cost, privacy and location-sharing controls, moderation and reporting tools, and how easily they help you move toward an offline activity. Those are questions to check for a particular service, not features guaranteed by every app.
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When meeting people feels difficult
Starting can be uncomfortable. In one 2022 Canadian survey sub-cohort, 13.4% reported fear of rejection, 17.4% said authentic connection was hard, and 21.8% said they could not afford to go out with people. These figures describe that sub-cohort, not the wider population, but they point to common kinds of friction.
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- If rejection worries you, choose a structured group activity where the focus is shared. One declined invitation does not tell you whether you will connect with someone else.
- If genuine connection feels hard, give a recurring activity time to become familiar rather than expecting a close bond from one meeting. A small check-in or conversation can be a reasonable start.
- If cost is a barrier, look for free or low-cost options such as a public walking group, community event or volunteering opportunity. If apps are unavailable or inaccessible to you, local community spaces and word of mouth can also help you find activities.
The CDC says it has no official guidelines for improving social connection; its suggestions are practical ideas. If you feel disconnected, lonely or stressed and need help, it advises seeking professional support. CDC suggestions for improving social connectedness include connecting around shared interests and making time for supportive relationships.
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