It absolutely does work but it’s too vague. A person in this position really needs to go outside and talk to people but doesn’t where to start.

So, join a running club, or go to pub trivia, take an in person class, or volunteer. Pick literally anything you can show up once a week and there will be people doing stuff. It will change your life.

It's ridiculous that anno domini 2025 when someone says "I have issues making social connections" the default assumption is still that the person literally hasn't put any effort. It's literally the extension of "noooo there are no bigger social changes going on, the only reason why you can't get a date is because you don't shower, I'm absolutely sure of it, stop showing me statistics that loneliness is a growing problem across the whole society I will deny that and accuse of bad hygiene or being creepy, it's your personal failure, you need to understand this".

a) people go out to spend time with already established friends, not talk to random strangers

b) people don't want to be approached by random strangers

c) I want to be friends with people who have similar lifestyle and values to me and create deeper connections

d) people have busy schedules and don't have time to meet

Source: I've tried

> but you haven't tried this particular activity that I recommend so you cannot tell that nothing works

Shut up. The ROI is just not there, and I'm happier just sitting at home smoking weed rather than keep chasing the high of a good conversation I've had five years ago. I'm not happy this way, but definitely happier.

> "Go out and talk to people" isn't valid advice. It's never been, but in 2025 finally even the mainstream is slowly admitting that this doesn't work.

It continues to work for me in 2025.