Raleigh, NC, March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As loneliness continues to emerge as a major public health issue, there’s a new social platform called Friendship The goal is to help people reconnect in the real world.
The essence of friendship.
Unlike traditional social media platforms that emphasize online engagement, Friending is designed to help users build real friendships by meeting in person. The app connects people based on shared interests and geographic proximity, encouraging users to quickly move from online discovery to in-person interaction.
To increase security and authenticity, every user on Friending is authenticated through a third-party identity verification system. The platform can also confirm in-person meetings when users’ phones are physically near each other, reinforcing the focus on real-world connections.
“Many people have thousands of online connections, but still feel alone,” says the company’s founder. “Friending is designed to reverse that trend by helping people make real friendships in their own communities.”
The app deliberately limits chat functionality to encourage users to meet each other instead of having lengthy online conversations.
Public health experts have increasingly warned about the social and health risks associated with isolation, linking loneliness to higher risks of anxiety, depression and physical health problems.
Friending’s founders believe technology can help address the problem if it is designed with human interaction as a primary goal.
“Social media shouldn’t just keep people on their screens,” the founder added. “It should help bring people together.”
The company is currently raising venture capital funding to support the development and expansion of the platform.
About friendship
Friending is a social platform designed to help people make real friendships based on shared interests and location. By encouraging in-person meetings and authenticating all users through a third-party identity service, Friending aims to create more secure and authentic social connections.
Press inquiries
Gabor Kadas
gabor [at] friending.com
https://friending.com
