Growing up in the Middle East with a British mother and a Jordanian father, I experienced a duality of cultures that both celebrated community and connection. Whether it was gathering around a shared plate of food—a Middle Eastern tradition—or putting the kettle on when friends showed up at your front door, I grew up in an environment where connection was constant and effortless.

But when I moved to the U.S., something felt different. I noticed it early on, but it took me well into adulthood to truly pinpoint what was missing: the organic, spontaneous, and genuine human connections I had taken for granted.

The words of Esther Perel, “The quality of your life is only as good as the quality of your relationships,” have always resonated deeply. We have all experienced those moments of connection that fill your cup. Sometimes it’s with an old friend, and other times it’s with someone new that just “gets it.” But increasingly, those moments are harder to come by.

The Problem

Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone foresaw much of what we’re experiencing today—a decline in social capital, fewer community groups, and increased isolation due to suburbanization, economic pressures, and more recently, technology. He predicted these trends long before technology accelerated them to the severe loneliness epidemic we face today.

While technology is part of the problem, it’s not going anywhere. So, why not make it part of the solution?

The Vision

Flokk is my response to this challenge. It’s not another social media app. It’s a platform designed to help people move from online interactions to real-world connections. The goal is to encourage and facilitate authentic human connection, not distract from it.

It’s about spontaneity, authenticity, and community—making it easier to gather with friends, meet like-minded people, and nurture meaningful relationships.

Why It Matters

The loneliness epidemic is intensifying, compounded by digital habits and increasing societal divisiveness. Recent studies indicate that over 60% of adults in the U.S. report feeling lonely, and social isolation is linked to severe health risks.

The time is now to create something that brings people together intentionally and meaningfully.

Flokk is an effort to help people find their communities, nurture their relationships, and foster genuine interaction. My hope is that it becomes part of a broader cultural shift—a way to use technology to enhance connection rather than replace it.