Can you really buy friendship? Behind the rise of paid social clubs

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:28:41 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/can-you-really-buy-friendship-behind-the-rise-of-paid-social-clubs-285362>

"Feeling lonely in a big city? You’re not alone.

Amid crowded streets and the constant noise of urban life, a surprising trend
is quietly taking hold: the rise of paid social clubs.

Once a niche idea, these curated groups are becoming a go-to option for people
seeking connection in a way that feels safe, structured and genuinely social.
Some popular examples include Timeleft, which matches strangers for group
dinners, Chirpy Plus, a membership-based community for people aged over 50, and
EatWith, an app for social dining experiences.

Their growth has been rapid, as more people choose real-world interaction over
the glow of a screen. But are paid social clubs really the new panacea for our
loneliness problem?"

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics

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