All Ears English Podcast AEE 486: How Meetup.com Is Curing Loneliness in the US
Feb 29, 2016
Discover how Meetup.com is transforming social interactions and combating loneliness in the US. The hosts share personal stories highlighting the joy of real-life connections. Learn practical tips for initiating conversations and networking effectively at meetups. Explore the diversity of groups available, shaped by local cultures, and find out how engaging in meaningful conversations can enhance your social experience. Whether it's wine tasting or hobby groups, there's something for everyone to build community and foster relationships.
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Meetup's Mission And Scale
- Meetup.com was created to "use the internet to get off the internet" and rebuild in-person community after 9/11.
- By 2015 the U.S. had 127,630 Meetup groups averaging 311 members, showing broad local impact.
Screens Block Everyday Connection
- Phones and screens reduce spontaneous social connection in public spaces like cafés and waiting rooms.
- This behavior raises concern about younger generations' emotional and eye-contact development.
Meetup Topics Reveal Local Culture
- Popular meetup topics vary widely by city and reflect local resident interests rather than tourism clichés.
- Examples: fashion in New York, sci-fi in Seattle, pets in Austin and Las Vegas, LGBT in Boston.