Finding real people with shared interests and seeking genuine connections can seem challenging in the digital age. However, there are apps dedicated to just that: bringing people together in a more natural and meaningful way. Below, you'll find five downloadable options to start your journey toward authentic connections.
1- Bumble
Bumble is one of the most popular dating apps in the world, but its unique selling point lies in its commitment to creating real, secure connections. It can be used for dating, friendship (with the BFF feature), or professional networking (Bizz), making it a versatile app.
Bumble: date, friends and network
One of Bumble's biggest highlights is its focus on female autonomy: in heterosexual connections, only women can initiate conversations. This helps avoid unwanted messages and promotes a more respectful experience. Another strong point is profile verification, which helps ensure you're talking to a real person. The interface is modern, intuitive, and offers smart filters that increase the chances of compatibility.
Additionally, Bumble encourages the creation of detailed profiles, with quick questions and varied photos, which contributes to more natural and consistent conversations. If you're looking for meaningful connections with genuine people, this is a great place to start.
2- Slowly
Slowly is unlike anything you've ever seen. It simulates sending digital letters—as if they were traditional mail—fostering slow, deep connections with people around the world. The idea is to slow down communication to value the exchange of ideas and experiences in a more authentic way.
Slowly: Making friends by letter
When signing up, users choose a nickname, an illustrated (not real) photo, and complete a profile with interests and languages. The app then connects you with compatible people, and messages take hours to be delivered, depending on the virtual distance between users.
This approach encourages more meaningful communication, without rushing or superficiality. Ideal for those who want to cultivate real, lasting friendships. The experience is immersive, nostalgic, and completely free from the pressure of traditional social media.
3- Meetup
If your goal is to find real people based on shared interests, Meetup is an excellent alternative. The app connects users with groups and in-person or online events on a wide range of topics: technology, cinema, sports, spirituality, art, entrepreneurship, and many others.
Meetup: Events near you
Meetup's unique selling point is its emphasis on real-life gatherings, where you can meet like-minded people in a safe and organized social environment. The interface is simple, with tools to search for events by location, topic, or date.
Participating in active groups allows you to make friends, expand your network, and engage in new experiences. The app is ideal for those who want to break out of their digital bubble and meet real people, face-to-face, with similar goals.
4- Yubo
Yubo is a social app primarily aimed at young people, whose mission is to facilitate real friendships through shared interests and live streaming. Unlike dating apps, the focus here is on meeting people to socialize and interact authentically.
Yubo: Make new friends
One of Yubo's main features is interactive livestreams: you can join live video chats with up to 10 participants and dozens of viewers. It's a spontaneous and safe way to meet new people, exchange ideas, and create real bonds.
The app has a robust identity verification system, including video authentication, and filters that help you find people nearby or with similar interests. You can segment searches by age, region, and specific interests.
Yubo also doesn't require likes or followers, fostering more natural interaction without popularity metrics. The experience is light, fun, and perfect for those looking to break away from traditional social networks and create genuine connections.
5- Nextdoor
Nextdoor is an app designed to connect neighbors and locals. If you want to meet real people who live nearby, this is the perfect app. With it, you can join local groups, exchange recommendations, organize events, discuss community issues, and even advertise products or services.
Nextdoor: Neighborhood Network
The idea is to revive the sense of neighborhood and promote real, safe, and trustworthy interactions. Profiles are verified based on address, and the app encourages the use of real names. This creates a network of trust and facilitates meaningful connections.
Nextdoor also offers features like safety alerts, local tips, classifieds, and community forums. Navigation is simple and intuitive, with a focus on practicality and relevant information. It's a powerful tool for those looking to strengthen ties within their community.
Featured Features
All of the apps featured share a focus on genuine connections, but each offers unique features:
- Bumble: profile verification, different modes of use (romantic, friendship, networking), messages initiated by women.
- Slowly: sending digital letters with delivery time, connecting by interests and languages, focusing on depth rather than quantity.
- Meetup: access to in-person and online events, groups on various topics, focus on real-life encounters.
- Yubo: group live broadcasts, interest searches, identity verification, interaction without likes or followers.
- Nextdoor: Connect with neighbors, community forums, local announcements, and safety alerts.
These features help ensure you connect with real people who share your goals, whether it's to socialize, learn something new, make friends, or just share experiences.
In an increasingly connected yet paradoxically lonely world, finding real people with whom we can create authentic bonds is a common desire. The apps presented in this article offer different paths to this, respecting your preferences, goals, and lifestyle.
Whether it's through digital letters on Slowly, events on Meetup, new friendships on Yubo, local connections on Nextdoor, or dating on Bumble, you'll find a tool that suits your search for authenticity. Try the ones that best suit you and rediscover the joy of meeting real people.
