How Delhi‑NCR is combating loneliness – Firstpost

In the fast-paced urban life of Delhi-NCR, where notifications from Microsoft Teams buzz more frequently than friendly check-ins, loneliness is emerging as a silent yet pressing concern for the youth. Whether it’s those navigating long commutes or those glued to screens at home, the hustle comes at the cost of maintaining healthy social connections.

The WHO Commission on Social Connection’s flagship report (published June 30, 2025) reveals that one in six people worldwide struggles with loneliness, a phenomenon associated with roughly 100 deaths every hour. Not just that, the Ipsos Global Survey 2021 found that 45 per cent of urban Indians felt lonelier after the pandemic, while 43 per cent reported often feeling friendless.

Psychologists are calling loneliness a slow poison that is becoming an epidemic in metropolitan cities like
Delhi‑NCR. They argue that the constant grind at work leaves little room for working professionals to cultivate meaningful relationships, which, in turn, sidelines their social lives and allows loneliness to creep in.

However, to combat this situation, the city’s youth have come up with unique ideas that are helping them unwind, detox, and make friends. Here are a few things they are doing (and so should you to put your loneliness on the back burner).

1. Board game nights with strangers

Delhi-NCR is seeing a surge board games-only groups. Imagine a room full of strangers, playing fun board games, strategising together, and forming connections that last beyond the play. Many groups organise weekly or monthly meet-ups, offering regular opportunities for social interaction to those who might otherwise feel isolated. Unlike formal events or work parties, these mini-communities give working professionals the perfect chance to connect with like-minded people. Psychologists note that such structured social activities provide a safe, supportive environment, especially for those new to the city.

2. Bonding over shared interests and hobbies

Love hiking? Why not join a group hike? Or if cooking is your go-to stress buster, try preparing a dish or two with people who share the same passion. Who knows – what you enjoy most might just turn into lasting friendships! Mini-communities are on the rise, and Delhiites are loving them. Across the city, hobby-driven groups – both online and offline – are buzzing with plans for their next exciting meet-up. Platforms like Misfits lists clubs across 15 categories, covering dancing, badminton, football, music, books, and more. There really is something for everyone.

3. Private and themed social dinners

Delhiites are beating loneliness on a delicious note with private and themed social dinners. These are intimate gatherings organised either in someone’s home, a rented space, or small community venues. Unlike large, impersonal events, these dinners are designed to encourage meaningful social interaction among participants.

How does it work? Expect a small guest list (typically 10 to 20 people) and a variety of ice-breakers to spark conversation. Hosts often choose a theme – think Christmas Eve, poker night, Italian dinner, etc. – and plan structured group activities around it. Platforms like Stranger Dining and Xcited host such events regularly. Attendees often report that meeting strangers over a meal and engaging in small activities helps them feel less isolated.

4. Social mixers and speed-friending events

Cafes and co-working spaces in Delhi-NCR are hosting speed-friending meet-ups that are fun and low-pressure. These events might focus on hobbies, age groups, or professions, making it easier to meet like-minded people. The concept is somewhat similar to speed dating – participants spend brief moments talking to each person, allowing them to meet dozens of new people in a short space of time. Such events counteract the isolating effects of online-only communication, helping individuals become more outgoing, confident, and a lot less lonely.

What WHO says about loneliness

The WHO report defines loneliness as a type of social disconnection – “a negative, subjective emotional state that occurs when there’s a gap between the social connections one desires and those one actually experiences.” It differentiates this from social isolation, which it describes as “the objective condition of having few social roles, relationships, or interactions with others.”

Psychologists believe that such communities can be a game-changer in helping people overcome loneliness.