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Their wordsThis transformation hasn't happened by accident. The business models of platforms like Instagram and Facebook depend on engagement and ad revenue, not on the quality of your friendships. And so gradually, they've optimized for content that drives monetization and engagement, not connection.
Their wordsI believe we're still in the early stages of this market. Just as wellness evolved from simple meditation apps to sophisticated ecosystems blending digital and physical experiences, friend-tech will mature beyond simple matchmaking to more nuanced approaches. Here's what I'm watching for: Hybrid models: The most promising solutions will blend digital connection with IRL experiences, recognizing that technology works best as a bridge to human contact, not a replacement.
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