Hinge Steps Up to Combat Loneliness Among Gen Z with a $1 Million Community Building Fund
By Alexandre (admin), last updated on December 5, 2023
In an age where digital connections often overshadow face-to-face interactions, Hinge, a popular dating app, is taking a significant step to reverse this trend. With the launch of its new social impact initiative, “One More Hour™”, Hinge is putting its weight behind a crucial cause: combating loneliness among Generation Z.
At the heart of this initiative lies a striking statistic: today’s young adults spend 1,000 fewer hours per year connecting in person compared to their counterparts two decades ago. This alarming decline in real-world interactions has paved the way for Hinge’s ambitious program, which kicks off with a robust $1 million fund.
The One More Hour™ fund is dedicated to addressing the loneliness epidemic head-on. By providing grants to social groups and organizations, Hinge aims to foster a sense of belonging and community for Gen Z in a tangible, in-person manner. The program is set to roll out in key urban hubs – Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City – offering individual grants of up to $25,000 to selected groups.
Josh Penny, Hinge’s Director of Social Impact, encapsulates the essence of the initiative, stating, “Adding more time to connect in person with others is one of those things that’s easy to say, but is actually a little challenging to do. Social clubs and groups offer young adults the chance to plug into recurring moments of connection and to find community along the way. With One More Hour’s new fund, we simply want to make these important resources more accessible.”
But Hinge’s commitment to fostering social connections doesn’t start and end with One More Hour™. The dating app has a storied history of tackling loneliness. This includes joining forces with the Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness, supporting the Crisis Text Line, and collaborating with the Foundation for Social Connection to create resources like the Distraction-Free Dating Guide. These efforts, particularly during the challenges of the pandemic, highlight Hinge’s dedication to its mission.
Organizations interested in applying for the grants can do so starting January 2024. Hinge plans not only to distribute funds but also to meticulously track the number of connections made through the funded programs. Surveys to assess the impact on the well-being of participants are also part of this comprehensive approach.
In conclusion, Hinge’s initiative, One More Hour™, represents a significant step towards creating a less lonely world for Gen Z. As the fastest-growing dating app in the US, UK, and Canada, Hinge continues to live up to its tagline – “The Dating App Designed To Be Deleted®” – by encouraging meaningful, in-person connections. For those interested in learning more about the One More Hour fund or applying, visit hinge.co/onemorehour.
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Expert of the platforms of meetings (sites and applications) for more than 10 years. I share with you my objective opinion on these platforms following my tests. I can also advise you on the best dating service to choose in comments.