AI-Powered Apps Combat Loneliness Through Meaningful Connections

The rise of loneliness has alarmed health professionals, particularly since **Vivek Murthy**, the former US surgeon general, labeled it an “epidemic” in 2017. In a recent report, he emphasized that the health risks associated with social disconnection can be as harmful as smoking up to **15 cigarettes a day** and may surpass those linked to obesity and physical inactivity. Increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and depression have been documented. Factors contributing to this crisis include the decline of traditional social institutions, the addictive nature of digital platforms, and the isolating effects of the pandemic and remote work.

The struggle to form meaningful connections in urban environments is a common narrative. **Isabella Epstein** moved to New York in 2021 to work in finance and found herself grappling with loneliness. After exhausting various avenues to meet people, including social apps and clubs, she resorted to striking up conversations with strangers in public spaces. This proactive approach led her to amass hundreds of contacts and eventually organize informal gatherings, such as happy hours and pickleball games.

Inspired by her experiences, Epstein left her job and launched **Kndrd**, an app tailored for women under 40 in New York. The platform allows users to suggest activities and connect with potential partners for those experiences. As of now, Kndrd has attracted around **10,000 users**, highlighting a growing demand for supportive social networks.

The emergence of apps like **222** and **Kndrd** reflects a broader trend in technology aimed at addressing social isolation. Other similar platforms, including **Timeleft**, **Plots**, and **Realroots** have also surfaced, each offering unique approaches to fostering real-life connections. Investor **Felix-Olivier Ngangue** noted that these applications are structured to encourage offline interactions rather than prolonged time spent online, marking a shift in business models that prioritize genuine human engagement.

As society navigates the complexities of modern relationships, the potential of AI-driven platforms to facilitate connections may offer a promising avenue for combating loneliness. With the combined efforts of innovators like Kazemian and Epstein, the hope remains that technology can serve as a bridge to authentic human interactions.