Social & Emotional Trends - Affective crisis and insufficient friendships are prevalent, driven by increased pressure to meet expectations and decreased dedication to relationships [1][2] - Obsession with self-care may lead to a loss of ability to connect deeply with others, resulting in feelings of being unheard and judged [2][3] - Inability to coexist with differing opinions fuels loneliness, with a quarter of Brazilians feeling lonely most of the time [4][5] - Loneliness is recognized as a global health issue, distinct from solitude, and is related to the quality of relationships rather than the quantity [5][6] Intentional Groups & Social Connection - Intentional groups offer a potent form of connection, sometimes exceeding the impact of close relationships, with half of Brazilians participating in such groups [7][8] - 74% of participants find intentional groups as important or more important for their well-being than friendships [9] - Intentional groups are formed through conscious choice and intention to connect, differing from context-driven relationships like family or social media [9][10] - Participation in groups can combat loneliness, with 87% of participants feeling less alone [13][14] - Most intentional groups meet in person and are small, with a median of 12 participants [16] Overcoming Stigma & Promoting Connection - There is societal prejudice against seeking connection outside of family and friends, similar to the historical stigma around therapy [17] - 70% of people who do not participate in groups would like to, but are held back by fear of judgment and vulnerability [18] - Normalizing participation in intentional groups can encourage more people to seek these relationships [19]

Social & Emotional Trends - Affective crisis and insufficient friendships are prevalent, driven by increased pressure to meet expectations and decreased dedication to relationships [1][2] - Obsession with self-care may lead to a loss of ability to connect deeply with friends, with individuals feeling judged and unheard [2][3] - Society is losing the ability to disagree respectfully, leading to social division and fueling loneliness [4] - Loneliness is a growing issue, with a quarter of Brazilians feeling lonely most of the time, and the World Health Organization recognizing it as a global health concern [5][6] Intentional Groups & Social Connection - Intentional groups offer a powerful alternative for connection, with half of Brazilians participating in groups outside their original circles [8] - 74% of participants find these groups as important or more important for their well-being than friendships [9] - Intentional groups combat loneliness, with 87% of participants feeling less alone [14] - These groups are diverse, formed for various reasons such as coping with illness, grief, or simply for shared interests [14][15] - Most intentional groups meet in person and are small, with a median of 12 participants [16] Overcoming Stigma & Promoting Connection - There is a stigma around participating in groups, similar to that surrounding therapy, due to societal emphasis on family and friends [17] - 70% of people who don't participate in groups would like to, but are afraid of judgment or feeling exposed [18] - Normalizing and sharing stories about intentional groups can break down stigmas and encourage more people to seek these connections [19]