HINGE

Addressing the loneliness epidemic. one more hour at a time.

Services Deployed: Research & Strategy | Youth Council Development

THE REALITY

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared we are facing a loneliness epidemic and this is felt even more acutely by young people. Despite being more digitally connected than ever, in-person interactions have declined, leading to increased feelings of isolation. Hinge wanted to address this pressing issue in a way that felt authentic to its mission – create a less lonely world by inspiring intimate, in-person connections. Our challenge was to develop a strategy that acknowledged technology’s contribution to loneliness while leveraging it as a tool to bring people together.

OUR APPROACH

Through in-depth research, a survey to understand perceptions of loneliness and interviews with members of Gen Z, we uncovered key insights about young people’s shifting social behaviors. Today’s young adults have 1,000 fewer hours of in-person connection time annually compared to two decades ago. And for almost half of young adults (48%), financial constraints prevent them from participating in social experiences. With this data in hand and in partnership with the Foundation for Social Connection, we helped Hinge develop One More Hour—a social impact platform designed to foster IRL connection amongst Gen Z. One of their first initiatives was the One More Hour Fund.

To ensure the fund was informed by those directly affected, we developed a youth advisory council made up of individuals with lived experience of loneliness and expertise in community building. Together, they played a crucial role in shaping the fund, and determining how to allocate $1 million to 40 grassroots organizations. The selected groups were those that found creative ways to foster belonging for traditionally underrepresented groups at no or low cost, ensuring financial barriers did not further isolate these communities. The awardees were based in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York and included groups such as Intrsxtn Surf, HBCUs Outside, ATLFILMPARTY, and Reading Rhythms.

THE IMPACT

In its first year, One More Hour made a tangible difference in fostering connection: 

  • 1 social impact platform launched to combat loneliness through real-world gatherings.

  • $25,000 awarded to 40 youth-focused social groups and organizations. 

  • $1M committed to addressing the loneliness epidemic in 2024.

  • 3 Anthem Awards for Community Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Network or Community Organizations.

This accessible and effective approach is helping Gen Z rediscover how IRL hangs can be a force for good in combating loneliness—one more hour at a time.