Busy Lives, Fewer Connections: The Reality of Finding Friendship in the City
Research by social events app WeMeet has revealed how difficult it’s become for adults to maintain friendships, make new pals, and even organise a simple night out.
The results highlight a growing ‘connection gap’ in Europe’s big cities, including London.
Findings show that 44% of people say it’s hard to meet others in the city, with a further 20% admitting they feel lonely when their friends aren’t around.
Feedback suggests that planning to meet friends has become a logistical nightmare. Nearly half (48%) say the hardest part is simply finding a date that works for everyone. Another 35% cite being in ‘different stages of life’, while 16% blame distance. Only 23% report that they feel ‘pretty good’ about having friends and social events to attend in their local area.
And when it comes to meeting new people, the challenges continue — with 43% struggling to find the right people to connect with IRL and saying they find meeting people online ‘kind of cringe’. Despite this, the desire for connection is strong: 93% of us would like to meet new people in our city.
The free-to-use WeMeet app offers events from pottery classes to yoga, meals out, and hiking meetups. Users can discover events in their city, RSVP, follow favourite hosts, and receive personalised invites — all offering easy, low-pressure ways to meet people with shared interests, without endless WhatsApp chats, swipes, or awkward DMs.
Erika De Santi, Co-Founder and Chief of Experience at group travel company WeRoad, founders of the WeMeet app, said: “This is our way of helping people form real friendships in their everyday lives, not just on holiday.”
London events during May include Coffee & New Friends, taking place on Sunday 3rd May and Sunday 10th May at 3pm (venue TBC in the app). It’s described as a great, budget-friendly and relaxing way to meet new people and share easy conversations, with an average spend of just £5 (depending on what you order).
Alternatively, if you prefer to be outdoors, sign up for Trails & Ales: North Downs Way Hike, walking section 8 (Detling to Lenham) on Sunday 3rd May. Participants meet at 08:45am at London Victoria to catch the 08:55 train to Bearsted, finishing in Lenham around 4:30pm. Discover castles, cathedrals and beautiful countryside, unwind at a local pub afterwards, and receive a certificate for completing the trail. Cost: £8.
Good food always tastes better when it’s shared — especially when it brings new people together. WeMeet Dinner & New Friends events are designed for relaxed and friendly evenings to connect and enjoy great conversations over a meal, with 4–8 participants per table. The London venue will be announced 24 hours before the event, which takes place on Thursday 7th May at 6:30pm. There is no cost to book or attend; the average spend is £20–30, depending on what you order.
For further information or to book, download the WeMeet app.
