Meet PYXI: Your New Way to Make Real-Life Connections

Feeling like you’re spending too much time online but still feeling lonely? You’re not alone — and PYXI is here to change that. Already making a splash across Europe (and fresh off winning Silver at Greece’s Best City Awards!), PYXI is launching in the UK this spring with a simple mission: helping people find real connection again, through shared activities and small, friendly meetups.

PYXI is for everyone — whether you’re into pottery classes, grabbing a bite to eat, or just fancy a walk in the park with some new faces. Unlike social media apps that want to keep you scrolling forever, PYXI quietly matches you with people nearby who want to do the same things you do, at the same time and place. Think of it like Tinder — but instead of dating, it’s about making friends and building community around what you love.

Why PYXI matters

Loneliness isn’t just a bad day — it’s become a real public health issue. Research shows younger generations are more isolated than ever, often caught up in the endless loop of online “connection” without real, face-to-face interaction. A 2019 study even found a huge drop in in-person time among teenagers, linked to rising rates of depression and anxiety. Experts like psychologist Jean Twenge point to heavy social media use as a major part of the problem — and a 2022 review confirmed it: too much scrolling is linked to higher stress, anxiety, and feeling low.

That’s where PYXI steps in.

“Social media is designed to keep you scrolling. PYXI is designed to help you stop,” says PYXI’s founder, Alexandra Kasseri, PhD. “We want to make it easy (and fun!) to meet new people, discover local events, and start building real friendships again. Pyxida means ‘compass’ in Greek — and that’s exactly what we want PYXI to be: your guide back to real-life connection.”

How PYXI is different

One thing that makes PYXI really stand out? It’s not just about connecting people — it’s about reconnecting communities. Across the UK, cosy pubs, yoga studios, cinemas, coworking hubs, and other local spots are joining PYXI’s Neighbourhood Initiative. These venues become “social anchors” where you can easily find cool events that match your interests.

It’s a win-win: local businesses get more visitors (and some helpful insights into what their community loves), and you get a bunch of welcoming spaces to meet new people — whether it’s “Wednesday night cocktails with vegan foodies” or “Sunday trivia for pub quiz lovers.”

Real people. Real life. No endless feeds.

Already a trusted tool for cities in Greece looking to boost mental wellbeing and community spirit, PYXI is now ready to do the same in the UK. The app is simple, welcoming, and built entirely around real human connection — no feeds, no comments, no chasing likes. Just you, your interests, and some new friends to share them with.

Top photo by NEOM on Unsplash