Hinge, recognizing the global issue of loneliness, especially among young adults, has launched a social impact program titled 'One More Hour.' This initiative focuses on encouraging in-person interactions to combat loneliness, a growing concern in the digital age where Gen Z predominantly relies on screen time for socialization. Currently, only about 31% of young adults engage in daily social interactions with others.
'One More Hour' is kickstarting its mission with a $1 million fund. This fund is dedicated to providing grants to social groups and organizations that actively foster in-person community building and a sense of belonging among Gen Z individuals. Initially, the program will concentrate on supporting clubs and organizations in three major cities: Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City.
The Surgeon General’s recent advisory on the loneliness epidemic highlights the urgent need for more opportunities to forge connections, emphasizing it as a public health priority. In line with this, Hinge’s initiative aims to facilitate these meaningful connections at a local level. Social groups and organizations in the mentioned cities interested in the fund can pre-register starting today at hinge.co/onemorehour, indicating the program's openness to collaborations and its commitment to addressing loneliness through tangible community actions.
Gen Z Anti-Loneliness Funds
Hinge Combats Loneliness for Gen Z - $1M Fund
Trend Themes
1. In-person Interactions - Gen Z's reliance on screen time for socialization creates an opportunity for businesses to focus on fostering in-person interactions to combat loneliness.
2. Loneliness Epidemic - The Surgeon General's advisory on the loneliness epidemic presents a need for more opportunities to forge connections, creating a potential market for innovative solutions.
3. Community Building - Hinge's social impact program 'One More Hour' highlights the importance of community building, offering a chance for organizations to contribute to combating loneliness among Gen Z.
Industry Implications
1. Socialization Services - Companies offering services that facilitate in-person interactions can tap into the growing need to combat loneliness among Gen Z.
2. Mental Health & Well-being - The rise of the loneliness epidemic creates opportunities for businesses in the mental health and well-being industry to develop innovative solutions for fostering connections and combating loneliness.
3. Community Engagement - Organizations focusing on community building and fostering a sense of belonging have an opportunity to collaborate with Hinge's 'One More Hour' program and address the loneliness issue among Gen Z.