Last weekend, I participated in a unique experience where I enjoyed matcha with 20 potential new friends, all arranged by an innovative social platform called 222. This app connects strangers for various events, including dinners, yoga classes, and cultural activities, based on compatibility insights from a detailed questionnaire. My matcha ceremony was designed to include at least two other fans of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring."
We gathered at Samadhi, a wellness space in Brooklyn, precisely at 10:55 a.m., guided by timely reminders from 222. The app emphasized the importance of attendance, warning that cancellations could lead to being banned from future events.
As I mingled with participants, I discovered that many had attended multiple 222 events, ranging from dinners to group workouts. One attendee shared her motivation for joining the matcha ceremony stemmed from her spiritual interests and the challenge of meeting new people outside of typical nightlife. This experience felt more intentional and meaningful compared to casual bar outings.
222 was founded in 2021 by Keyan Kazemian and his co-founders, who initially hosted dinner parties to foster connections among friends and acquaintances. The app's design exudes sophistication, featuring a palette of deep greens and creams, reminiscent of a curated experience rather than the typical swiping culture of dating apps.
Over the past year, 222 has expanded significantly, now serving more than thirteen cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Unlike other friend-making platforms, 222 focuses on curated experiences, alleviating the pressure of one-on-one interactions by facilitating group gatherings.
The app leverages AI to match users based on their interests, but it also emphasizes human curation in selecting event locations. Kazemian explained that restaurant partnerships are based on feedback from users, ensuring that venues prioritize exceptional customer experiences.
During my matcha-making session, I found the atmosphere welcoming, with participants sharing a sense of camaraderie as we learned to whisk matcha together. The group consisted mainly of millennials, many of whom worked in tech or creative fields. Conversations flowed easily, with a mix of introverts and extroverts creating a balanced dynamic.
After the class, a group of us spontaneously migrated to a nearby coffee shop, where connections deepened over shared experiences and laughter. While I may not have formed lasting friendships, the experience highlighted the bravery of showing up and engaging with new people.
Overall, my journey with 222 was enlightening. Although the app suggests that it may take several events to truly find your community, the potential for meaningful connections through curated experiences is undeniably exciting.
