Core Insights - The article discusses the emergence of a "post-social media era," highlighting the paradox of increased social media usage leading to decreased face-to-face interactions and rising feelings of loneliness and despair among individuals [1][2] - The need for genuine human connections is driving young people to seek alternatives to social media, emphasizing the importance of quality in social interactions [2][11] Group 1: Social Media and Loneliness - Over 60% of the global population uses social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, yet face-to-face social interactions in the U.S. have sharply declined over the past 15 years [1] - Approximately one in eight Americans report having no friends, indicating a significant rise in social isolation [1] - The U.S. Surgeon General has classified loneliness as a pressing public health issue, reflecting a broader societal trend observed in other countries, such as Japan, where loneliness is recognized as a collective experience [1] Group 2: The Rise of Offline Social Platforms - The startup "薯岛" aims to facilitate in-person meetings among individuals who are often strangers, addressing the need for meaningful social interactions [2][5] - The platform employs algorithms to match participants based on personal questionnaires, which include preferences and personality traits, to enhance the likelihood of compatible interactions [4][6] - Unlike traditional social activities, "薯岛" focuses on fostering genuine connections between people rather than merely organizing events [11][12] Group 3: Business Model and User Experience - "薯岛" has organized over 10,000 offline events in Beijing since its launch, achieving a 92% satisfaction rate among participants [13] - The platform aims to reduce uncertainty and communication costs associated with finding social companions, thereby enhancing user experience [5][6] - The company plans to raise 2.5 million yuan in angel funding to expand its operations and improve matching experiences based on accumulated insights from offline social behaviors [13]