As people look for ways to make new friends, here are the apps promising to help

As loneliness becomes a public health crisis, friendship-focused apps are experiencing significant growth, with platforms generating approximately $16 million in consumer spending and 4.3 million downloads in the U.S. this year. These apps, including Timeleft, Meet5, and Bumble BFF, help users find platonic connections through group activities, local events, and AI-powered matching based on shared interests. The platforms target various demographics, from remote workers to adults over 40 seeking new social circles, offering less intimidating alternatives to approaching strangers in public.