How to make new friends in the digital age

Making new friends as an adult seems like one of life’s greatest hurdles. Add this to the fact that we’re in the digital age now, where many socializations often occur on social media rather than in real life. How then can one make new friends at this time of life and in an increasingly wired world?

Express genuine interest in someone

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If a person whose online persona inspires you, tell them how you feel through a message, comment, or email that you want to get to know him or her better. Work on developing a friendship with that intentional approach, and integrate both digital and personal means to make it work.

Share a meal

Invite a new coworker or a neighbor to join you for lunch. Gather fellow volunteers or members of a class or organization, and propose having a meal together. Make plans and make sure they happen!

Image source: Pixabay.com 
Maximize online platforms

It’s ironic but these days the easiest way to make new real-life friends is through online platforms. There’s Meetup.com, which is a popular way to meet people whom you share common interests with. Dating sites are also great for meeting new people you want to try dating and starting new friendships with. If one-on-one first meetings feel awkward, there are apps such as Me3 that connect you with two new people rather than one.

Go out there

Real friendship doesn’t just happen when you stay at home and get immersed in a virtual world. Meet people at events, concerts, art or dance classes, and somewhere people gather in large numbers. There are different pros and cons to each, but go with where you’re most comfortable and you would find like-minded people.

Dr. Wayne Imber is a retired professor, having taught psychology in many schools in Chicago and throughout Arizona and Massachusetts for the past 30 years. His classes were usually for undergrad and master’s programs, focusing on social and developmental psychology. Learn more on this page.

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