IRL Meetups: The Farmer's Market of Social Connection (and 5 Tips For You to Start Connecting IRL)

In-person meetups will make a comeback in the next decade as an antidote to the isolation that our digital world breeds.

As we move our lives further online, mental health deteriorates under the weight of information overload, and genuine connections grow scarce. The core of the mental health crisis today, especially among millennials and Gen Z, stems from this shift towards superficial digital interactions and away from meaningful, in-person engagement.

This exploration will delve into the critical state of our current social landscape, examine the unique value of IRL (In Real Life) meetups akin to the tradition of farmer's markets, and discuss actionable steps for the younger generation to foster genuine human connections in an ever-evolving digital paradigm.

The Internet is Getting to be Too Much

The rise of social media on the internet came with the decline of IRL community engagement (churches, third spaces, etc.).

This combination of easier access to digital connection and less time spent with in-person connection is at the core of a lot of the mental health crisis we see today. This explains why many of the millennial and gen-z population feel lonely.

Loneliness has also been exacerbated by new forms of digital connections—parasocial relationships. More people have turned to creators and influencers as sources of connection in a sea of infinite content and confusion.

As we continue to move our lives further online, the factors of the internet ecosystem work in tandem to rip us farther away from our human roots. We are moving deeper into a system where humans are exploited for their dopamine and attention.

Recognizing the depth of this digital dilemma, we must ask ourselves: Is there a way out of this conundrum?

IRL Community is the Cure

So yes, we are moving into a world that makes it increasingly harder to be a normal member of society without being on the internet.

Is it game over for us? Absolutely not.

The internet’s impact on mental / social human health has gotten so bad that it has become a key concern of parents, young people and governments alike. This special attention placed on the crisis may very well be part of the catalyst for more IRL connection.

We see what happens when we don’t socialize in-person, and now more people are acting on their fears of loosing themselves to the mindless sea of information.

Our biological makeup hasn't adapted to our rapid technological advancements, leading to a disconnect from our natural social inclinations.

The Farmer’s Market of Social Connection

Farmer’s markets have been around for a long time.

They served both as community hubs where people come to buy fresh produce and to connect with others. Originating in the agrarian societies where community members would gather to sell their harvests, these markets have always been more than just commercial spaces. They embody the essence of human connection—face-to-face interactions that foster a sense of belonging and mutual support.

Farmer’s markets are:

• Local.

• Organic.

• Less convenient.

• Healthier choice.

They share similar qualities with IRL meetups. When we get together we exchange more than words. We exchange energy, emotion and all those subtle things you lose in the digital world.

Online digital connection can still be good, but it is a cheaper experience than in-person. I can tell you from my personal experience with IRL communities.

AITX and The Board Walks: My Farmer’s Markets

A year ago, recognizing a gap in the AI community, my friends and I initiated AITX meetups.

Our goal was simple: to bring together individuals passionate about artificial intelligence. However, the impact was profound. A memorable turning point was when attendance soared beyond 40 people. Witnessing firsthand the connections formed and the collaborative projects that ensued was exhilarating. This experience fundamentally shifted my view on the importance of in-person interactions.

The energy and inspiration drawn from these monthly gatherings were palpable, underscoring the unmatched value of face-to-face connections.

Parallel to AITX, I found myself drawn to The Board Walks—a series of 5-mile walks imbued with genuine conversation, introduced to me by my brother.

These walks offered a unique blend of physical activity and deep, meaningful dialogue. The simplicity of walking side by side, sharing thoughts and experiences, provided a refreshing contrast to the digital chatter that fills our daily lives.

Witnessing the growth of this initiative, with more individuals joining the walks, reinforced my belief in the power of simple, direct human connections.

How Do You Start?

Looking to weave real-world connections in our pixel-perfect world? Here's a quick, no-frills guide to kick-starting your own IRL (In Real Life) community meetups. Because sometimes, you just need to log off and look around.

1. City Vibes: If possible, migrate to where the crowds are. Dense populations are fertile ground for niche interests and vibrant meetups. More people, more possibilities.

2. DIY Gathering: Stuck in a less bustling locale? No sweat. Start your own meetup. It's the perfect excuse to get creative and bring like-minded folks to you.

3. Mix and Mingle: Blend a theme with an activity. Think book clubs on hiking trails or tech talks over coffee. It's about adding flavor to the mundane, making every meetup a memorable one.

4. Tap into the Hive: Leverage platforms like Meetup or Facebook groups. It’s like sending a bat signal to others who share your passions. Quick, easy, and effective.

5. Local Love: Collaborate with local haunts—cafes, bookstores, community centers. They’re often on the lookout for events that bring in the community (and customers). Plus, it saves you the headache of playing venue scout.

And there you have it—five straightforward steps to bridge the gap between digital dialogues and tangible talks. Let's make the leap from URL to IRL, one meetup at a time.

Closing Thoughts

As we've journeyed through the digital thicket to the welcoming shade of in-person connections, it's clear that the future holds a space for IRL meetups—a space as vital and nourishing as the farmers' markets that have fed communities for centuries.

Echoing the Past, Building the Future

Just as the farmers' markets have thrived by staying true to their core—fostering local, organic, and meaningful exchanges.

We too must cultivate our social ecosystems with intention. The digital age, for all its innovation, cannot replicate the fundamental human need for connection, belonging, and community that only in-person interactions can satisfy.

Your Role in the Renaissance of Connection

The resurgence of IRL meetups is not merely a trend but a movement—a collective step towards reclaiming our humanity within the digital landscape. It's an invitation to you, the reader, to be a catalyst for change.

Whether it's attending a local event, starting a meetup around your passion, or simply engaging more deeply with those around you, your actions will weave the fabric of a more connected society.

That’s all for now folks. ‘Til next time, much love and peace y’all 🤠