{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F828c4a6b-8afb-44ea-b45d-8e00f6938246","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Is Loneliness a Public Health Crisis\u2014and How Do We Design Tech that Forces Real Connection? | Gabor Kadas","description":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn Pleasure Principles (a Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122 show), Avik gets tactical about the loneliness epidemic with Gabor Kadas, CEO of Friending, Inc. We unpack why \u201calways online\u201d still feels empty, the health toll of isolation, and what it takes to engineer an app that pushes people off their phones and into real life\u201410-message caps, 30-day \u201cmeet IRL\u201d windows, ID verification (Persona), proximity check-ins, and tap-3 safety alerts. We also cover activity-based matching (\u201cAre You In\u201d cards), a 50-mile radius to prioritize repeat meetups, planned pricing, and a clever coffee+QR product that carries voice/video notes. If you\u2019re serious about moving from scrolls to coffees, this episode gives you a concrete playbook. SEO: loneliness epidemic, real-life friendships, mental health, isolation recovery, meet offline, safety features, verified profiles, Friending app.\nAbout the Guest:\nGabor Kadas is the CEO of Friending, Inc. A UK-raised, Hungary-born, California-seasoned founder, he\u2019s building technology that converts digital discovery into face-to-face friendship\u2014safely, locally, and with accountability.\nKey Takeaways :\n\n\nDigital \u2260 intimate: Chatting and likes don\u2019t meet our evolutionary need for in-person belonging.\n\n\nEngineered for offline: Friending limits chats to 10 before you decide to meet. A friend request lasts 30 days; if you don\u2019t meet, it expires (you can reinitiate).\n\n\nProof you actually met: Phones must be next to each other to validate IRL contact\u2014no endless pen-pal loops.\n\n\nSafety by design: Tap the screen 3 times to notify police, a chosen friend, or nearby Friending users; location sharing supports response.\n\n\nTrust layer: Persona handles ID + selfie verification to kill fake/bot profiles.\n\n\nMeet where you\u2019ll return: 50-mile radius prioritizes repeatable, local connections; feedback welcome at podcast@friending.com.\n\n\nBehavioral nudge: \u201cAre You In\u201d activity cards match by interests (tennis, coffee, etc.) to lower friction and avoid performative small talk.\n\n\nCommercial model: Beta now; planned price $5/month or $50/year (Q1); download via App Store or Friending.com.\n\n\nWellness linkage: Chronic loneliness correlates with depression and downstream physical risks\u2014moving from screens to consistent meetups is a health intervention.\n\n\nTiny first step: Pick one local activity this week; commit to a 30-minute coffee with someone who shares it.\n\n\n\u00a0\nConnect with the Guest:\n\n\nEmail: podcast@friending.com\n\n\nApp & info: http://friending.com/ \u00a0and the App Store (search: \u201cFriending\u201d)\n\n\n\nWant to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nDisclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.\nHealthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it\u2019s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty\u2014storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate\u2014this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:\n\u2022 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being\u2022 Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth\u2022 Holistic Healing & Conscious Living\u2022 Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment\nWith over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.\n\ud83d\udc49 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.\nContact\n\ud83d\udcbc Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ud83d\udce7 Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavi","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/6fc409da-a195-4067-90c1-a92f7c84c453/untitled-design-4-b62zz.jpg"}