We are living in one of the most connected eras in human history, yet Australia is officially one of the loneliest countries in the world.

1 in 3 Australians report feeling lonely, and for the first time, it’s the younger generation (ages 15–24) who are suffering the most.

Arjun, the founder of Social Threads, joins the podcast to unlayer why digital connection is quietly making us feel more alone. We explore the "Social Connection Equation": 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 + 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. Arjun shares the wisdom he gained from interviewing 150 strangers on the streets about how they made their last friend.

𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱:

• Why a 5-second compliment can be the start of a lifelong village

• 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗹: Practical ways to move from "digital safety" to "physical visibility."

• 𝟭𝟱𝟬 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀: What Arjun learned about how adults actually make friends.

• How language proficiency and seeking out "birds of a feather" can break the wall of isolation.

🔔 If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague or a friend and inspire them to make a friend in 2026.

Episode Resources

Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@pan.perera⁠⁠

Free, Practical Workshops to Meet People & Build Connection: https://www.meetup.com/social-threads/

Social Threads on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-threads-australia/

Social Threads on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1632162121109045/

Guest

Arjun Bhugra

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunbhugra/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arjunbhugra/

Connect with Pan Perera

LinkedIn | ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera/⁠

Instagram | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pan.perera/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pan.perera

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/panpereraofficial