4 ms·

Discussed here with 700+ comments in February: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16424954 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16424954

zerostar07 8y ago
Those threads made an interesting read. A general feeling i got is that random interactions, or interactions loosely based on common interests (like sports) are becoming less successful at making friends, because everyone is more guarded now, but also because people have an expectation of having a more 'tailored' matching processes. So their random interactions often end up frustrating. Interestingly, people who belong to a subculture report success - gay people have it better, but also swingers, another lifestyle (I would add to that the nudists as a very friend-seeking community). Online gaming seems to be a good venue for having that initial "match" of a common interest, as well as meetup groups. While i suspect most people find friends at work, it appears to be an unsatisfactory way for many to make lasting relationships. So, it appears that there is a genuine need here that can be filled by "something that looks a bit like dating". Maybe facebook should consider rolling out a 'friend finder' along with their dating feature. Nevertheless, it seems to have become less of a taboo to admit that people can't find friends, and it seems there is space here for social apps to cover.
- pmoriarty 8y ago
  "Maybe facebook should consider rolling out a 'friend finder' along with their dating feature." Craigslist used to have a "strictly platonic" section in their personals, but it's gone now along with the rest of their personals.
- Regardsyjc 8y ago
  Bumble offers a friend finding feature called Bumble BFF. I used it and it works. Basically tinder but for dating.
dang 8y ago
Thanks—so this one is clearly a dupe, yet also such a good discussion that I hate to penalize it off the front page. I think we'll reduce the penalty and let it run. It's rare for a topic to strike a nerve in such a meaningful way, leading to so many high-quality comments.
- abledon 8y ago
  Is there some site that keeps track of these highly rated comment threads. Certain topics like this one keep popping up and some of the comments/stories on them are a real treat to glimpse into others realities and perceptions of how to live life. The site would probably have recurring topics like: 1. Making Friends / Socializing in our day and age / Loneliness 2. Macbook pro replacements 3. Tesla / SpaceX
  - zerostar07 8y ago
    That sounds like a great startup idea finder.
  - waivek 8y ago
    1. and 2. might be related

zerostar07 8y ago

Those threads made an interesting read. A general feeling i got is that random interactions, or interactions loosely based on common interests (like sports) are becoming less successful at making friends, because everyone is more guarded now, but also because people have an expectation of having a more 'tailored' matching processes. So their random interactions often end up frustrating. Interestingly, people who belong to a subculture report success - gay people have it better, but also swingers, another lifestyle (I would add to that the nudists as a very friend-seeking community). Online gaming seems to be a good venue for having that initial "match" of a common interest, as well as meetup groups. While i suspect most people find friends at work, it appears to be an unsatisfactory way for many to make lasting relationships. So, it appears that there is a genuine need here that can be filled by "something that looks a bit like dating". Maybe facebook should consider rolling out a 'friend finder' along with their dating feature. Nevertheless, it seems to have become less of a taboo to admit that people can't find friends, and it seems there is space here for social apps to cover.

pmoriarty 8y ago
"Maybe facebook should consider rolling out a 'friend finder' along with their dating feature." Craigslist used to have a "strictly platonic" section in their personals, but it's gone now along with the rest of their personals.
Regardsyjc 8y ago
Bumble offers a friend finding feature called Bumble BFF. I used it and it works. Basically tinder but for dating.

dang 8y ago

Thanks—so this one is clearly a dupe, yet also such a good discussion that I hate to penalize it off the front page. I think we'll reduce the penalty and let it run. It's rare for a topic to strike a nerve in such a meaningful way, leading to so many high-quality comments.

abledon 8y ago
Is there some site that keeps track of these highly rated comment threads. Certain topics like this one keep popping up and some of the comments/stories on them are a real treat to glimpse into others realities and perceptions of how to live life. The site would probably have recurring topics like: 1. Making Friends / Socializing in our day and age / Loneliness 2. Macbook pro replacements 3. Tesla / SpaceX
- zerostar07 8y ago
  That sounds like a great startup idea finder.
- waivek 8y ago
  1. and 2. might be related