Lonely youth turn to social clubs for 'offline' connection

Data shows that Australian youth are becoming lonelier and struggling to connect with the world around them, turning to 'offline' social clubs to reignite human connection. Isabel Duarte reports.

Aussie youth are feeling more disconnected than ever.

Despite access to more information technology than any other generation, Gen Z are feeling increasingly lonely compared to their older peers, according to the latest Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey.

To reconnect with each other, some of Melbourne's youth are turning to The Bigger Things Club, a new social group with an emphasis on turning offline that has seen huge success in recent months.

Selling out all of their events in May, the club has offered a place for young Melbournians to connect with like-minded individuals through organised activities, social events and the removal of technology.

Founder and Host of the Bigger Things Club, Zoe Gong, created the group in January to provide a community away from technology, where one can practice forming connections and expand their circle outside of their existing relationships.

“It’s a place you can fill your own cup,” said Zoe, “it's for people to pour into themselves instead of pouring their energy into other people online.”

Reaching their target audience via, ironically, social media, the club utilises the platforms of TikTok and Instagram to offer a retreat for those looking to escape from their online world.

The Bigger Things Club credits its growth to the range of activities and opportunities on offer, sure to accommodate a range of different interests. Previously, the club has hosted dinner parties, book clubs, coffee conversations, bouldering sessions and morning group walks.

Zoe said she aims to “break the cliquiness" often found amongst the young people of Melbourne, hoping the club will help people feel less intimidated about making friends in person or attending events alone.  

Whilst many have turned to community-based sporting hobbies since the pandemic, such as run clubs and local futsal or netball leagues, the Bigger Things Club focuses primarily on conversations and camaraderie.

Eventually, the Club hopes to expand interstate and provide social spaces for young Aussies wherever they need.

The demand for social clubs in Australia comes at a time of peak loneliness for Australian young adults, as individuals struggle to develop their face-to-face communication skills properly.

The 2024 edition of the annual Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey reported that those aged between 15 and 24 were the loneliest age group in the country, compared to those aged over 65 being the loneliest at the turn of the century.

The data found that, despite there being an overall increase in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s young adults had experienced a long-term decline in the years following, unlike other age demographics.

Tom Sar, a regular attendee at the club, said he appreciates the opportunity to meet new people from different walks of life.

“[The Club] has got so much potential and I can't wait to go to more events,” said Tom.

The HILDA report suggests that the growth of smartphone and social media use, particularly amongst this age group, may be contributing to loneliness and poor mental health.