In tune with the UK’s Mental Health Awareness Week, here’s an app story that’s a little less digital, a little more social. Our phone and laptop screens are no substitute for human contact, but a growing gulf between personal contact and lives lived online means people often struggle to switch off.
A new app aims to combat the loneliness epidemic by helping people step away from their screens and back into real life. PYXI, already gaining recognition in Europe recently launched in the UK’s major cities with a mission to reconnect people through shared activities and small-group meetups.
Designed for people of all ages, PYXI is for who want to meet others in their area for real-world connection. Whether that’s a pottery class, a meal out, or a walk in the park. Unlike social media, PYXI doesn’t rely on endless scrolling or commentary. Instead, it quietly matches users to like-minded locals who want to do the same things, at the same time, in the same place.
Combating the loneliness epidemic
Loneliness is no longer just a personal feeling. It’s a public health issue. Research shows that younger generations are spending more time alone than ever before, often trapped in the illusion of online connection. A 2019 study revealed a steep decline in face-to-face interactions among teenagers, with links to rising depression and anxiety. Psychologist Jean Twenge identified excessive social media use as a major driver of mental health struggles in young people. A 2022 meta-analysis confirmed that problematic social media habits are strongly associated with symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
“Social media is designed to keep you scrolling. PYXI is designed to help you stop,” said PYXI founder Alexandra Kasseri PhD, “We want to make it easy to meet new people. To discover local events, and build real friendships again. Pyxida means compass in Greek and this is what we’ve designed PYXI to be – a social compass. One that helps people find their way back to in-person, real life, social connection.”
A new kind of social technology
What sets PYXI apart is its integration with local businesses and community spaces. From cosy pubs and yoga studios to cinemas and coworking hubs, venues across the UK are signing up to the PYXI Neighbourhood Initiative. A movement to turn local businesses into social anchors. Through PYXI, users can find curated events that reflect their interests, hosted in places that welcome them.
Participating venues benefit too: increased footfall, new audiences, and access to data insights about local preferences. Whether it’s “Wednesday cocktails for five vegan PYXI ladies” or “Sunday trivia night for pub quiz lovers,” PYXI makes organising and attending social experiences seamless.
Already used by municipalities in Greece to strengthen communities and foster mental wellbeing, PYXI is poised to do the same in the UK. The app is designed to be intuitive, inclusive, and entirely focused on building human connection. No comments, no feeds, just friends.
There are many ways to escape the digital hooks of clickbait, doomscrolling and social media. But PYXI is one that could offer far greater benefits for users.