In this op-ed, Nadia Mumuni explores how friendship apps helped her form meaningful connections -- and how they can help you, too.
Your 20s are often described as a time of self-discovery, something that implies a focus mainly on yourself. That might be true, but finding your close circle of friends is just as important -- and may even be key to that self-discovery we all crave. At 27, I found myself seeking meaningful friendships, but struggling to figure out how to form them. When I became friends with my best friend nearly 15 years ago, we met at school -- an environment where friendships happen naturally. But in my 20s, it didn't feel as easy to initiate those connections.
Growing up, I watched TV shows like Girlfriends and imagined my adult years would mirror that dynamic. As we transition from girlhood to womanhood, the need for a solid group of friends -- our "girls" -- remains strong. For me, that need led me to a friend-making app. These apps have become a fresh, digital bridge for forming meaningful connections, helping users match with others who are also seeking deeper friendships. Whether you're new to a city or simply looking to expand your social circle, these apps offer an intentional way to meet people.
My new friends -- Janel, Phoebe, Monica, and Nifemi -- are all products of app-formed connections. From their first messages to in-person meet-ups, their stories reflect the highs and lows of building friendships in today's app-driven world.
Janel and Phoebe: From Bumble to BFFs
In the summer of 2023 Janel and Phoebe, both eager to meet new people and explore new experiences, decided to join Bumble BFF. However, Phoebe's first impression of the app was less than smooth. "It was so overwhelming," she says. "There are so many people on there, and most don't seem to know what they want. I couldn't tell if they wanted to be pen pals or just waste my time." Janel also found the process challenging, noting, "When you're in school, people are just around you, but now, you have to put in the effort and be intentional if you want to make friends."
When Phoebe connected with Janel, it was an instant match. Phoebe describes it as "a spark," and the two found themselves chatting every day with conversations that "never ran dry." They bonded over shared interests like sushi and jazz music, even choosing a sushi restaurant for their first meet up. A year after that first meeting, "the energy is still the same," Phoebe shares. Together, they've attended numerous events, made more friends, and have even gone on a girls trip.