Finding real people with shared interests who are looking for genuine connections can seem like a challenge in the digital age. However, there are apps dedicated precisely to this: bringing people closer together in a more natural and meaningful way. Below, you'll find five downloadable options to begin your journey in search of authentic connections.
1- Bumble
Bumble is one of the most popular dating apps in the world, but its distinguishing feature lies precisely in its proposition of creating real and 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 empowerment: in heterosexual connections, only women can initiate the conversation. 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 chance of compatibility.
Furthermore, 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 real people, this is a great starting point.
2- Slowly
Slowly is unlike anything you've ever seen. It simulates sending digital letters—as if they were traditional correspondence—promoting slow and 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
Upon registering, the user chooses a nickname, an illustrated (not real) photo, and completes 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 proposal encourages more meaningful communication, without haste or superficiality. Ideal for those who wish to cultivate real and lasting friendships. The experience is immersive, nostalgic, and completely free from the pressure of traditional social networks.
3- Meetup
If your goal is to find real people based on shared interests, Meetup is an excellent alternative. The app connects users with in-person or online groups and events on a wide variety of topics: technology, film, sports, spirituality, art, entrepreneurship, and many more.
Meetup: Events near you
The unique aspect of Meetup is precisely its emphasis on real-life meetings, where you can meet people with similar interests in a safe and organized social environment. The interface is simple, with tools to search for events by location, theme, 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 live streaming: you can join live video rooms 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 connections.
The app has a robust identity verification system, with video authentication, and filters that help find people nearby or with similar interests. It's possible to segment searches by age, region, and specific interests.
Yubo is also free of likes and followers, promoting a more natural interaction without popularity metrics. The experience is light, fun, and perfect for those who want to escape traditional social networks and create genuine connections.
5- Nextdoor
Nextdoor is an app designed to connect neighbors and residents of the same area. If you want to meet real people who live near you, this is the perfect app. With it, you can participate in local groups, exchange recommendations, organize events, discuss community issues, and even advertise products or services.
Nextdoor: Neighborhood Network
The goal is to revive the sense of community 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 such as safety alerts, local tips, classifieds, and community forums. Navigation is very simple and intuitive, focusing on practicality and relevant information. It's a powerful tool for those who want to strengthen ties within their own community.
Featured Features
All the apps presented share a focus on genuine connections, but each offers unique features:
- BumbleProfile verification, different usage modes (romantic, friendship, networking), messages initiated by women.
- SlowlySending digital letters with delivery times, connecting through interests and languages, focusing on depth rather than quantity.
- MeetupAccess to in-person and online events, groups organized by various themes, and a focus on real-life encounters.
- YuboGroup live streaming, interest-based search, identity verification, interaction without likes or followers.
- NextdoorConnecting with neighbors, community forums, local announcements, and safety alerts.
These features help ensure that you connect with real people who share similar goals, whether it's to socialize, learn something new, make friends, or simply exchange 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 end, 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 relationships on Bumble, you'll find a tool that suits your quest for authenticity. Try the ones that best suit you and rediscover the joy of meeting real people.
