Loneliness Economy Rises: Urban Dwellers Pay for Companionship Amidst Isolation

• Loneliness is now an emerging social and economic trend, giving rise to a 'loneliness economy'.
• Fast-paced life, digital interactions, and relocation to cities contribute to widespread loneliness in metros.
• People are willing to pay for companionship, conversation, and emotional connection to fill this void.
• Paid social meetups are gaining popularity in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Kolkata, focusing on safe, respectful interaction, not dating.
• Experts warn prolonged loneliness can lead to mental health issues, driving demand for genuine human connection over digital chats.

Why It Matters: The 'loneliness economy' is growing as urban dwellers pay for genuine human connection to combat isolation.