Heather Steele and Taylor Moore relocated to Calgary from different places a few years ago. While Steele moved from Ireland without knowing anyone in the city, Moore had a few acquaintances from Manitoba. Eager to expand their social circles, they turned to Bumble BFF, an app that facilitates platonic friendships through profile matching and swiping functionality similar to dating apps. After swiping right on each other, they met at Trolley 5 Brewpub on 17th Avenue and instantly hit it off. Three years later, their friendship remains strong.
The digital landscape, including AI-designed apps simulating friendship, has reshaped how people connect, replacing traditional in-person social hubs known as “third places.” These third places, coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, are spaces like cafés and gyms where social interactions occur beyond home and work. However, declining attendance at such places has been linked to increased loneliness and social isolation in Canada, with over a tenth of Canadians reporting frequent feelings of loneliness in 2021.
As screen time among Canadians rises, genuine in-person connections are often replaced by virtual interactions, leading to social comparison and heightened feelings of disconnection. Experts warn that prolonged screen exposure may exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation. To combat this trend, experts suggest engaging in regular social activities like classes, volunteering, or group sports to foster repeated interactions and proximity, essential for building lasting friendships.
In Calgary, venues like Ship and Anchor Pub on 17th Avenue serve as potential meeting spots for individuals seeking companionship. Making friends in such settings can be as simple as introducing oneself and finding common interests with others. Participation in group sports, such as those organized by the Calgary Sport and Social Club, also offers opportunities for forming friendships across diverse backgrounds.
The impact of loneliness extends beyond personal well-being, affecting societal health and productivity. Research indicates that loneliness contributes to significant economic costs, strains healthcare systems, and diminishes workplace efficiency. Furthermore, societal implications include decreased trust among individuals, heightened polarization, and the proliferation of extremist ideologies driven by a lack of social connections.
In conclusion, addressing the challenge of making friends in the digital age requires a proactive approach to fostering genuine connections through shared activities and regular interactions, essential for combating loneliness and promoting social well-being.
