
In today’s fast-paced digital world, loneliness has quietly become an epidemic. Washington, D.C., now bears the title of America’s loneliest city, with nearly 49% of households consisting of just one person. As individuals delay marriage and children, solo living is becoming the norm, often leaving people feeling isolated. But what if there was a solution? Enter co-living spaces – a modern attempt to foster real human connections in our increasingly fragmented world.
Co-Living and Connection: A Community Reimagined
Brussels-based Cohabs is one company betting big on co-living. Their concept revolves around transforming properties into vibrant communal spaces. Imagine a single property housing up to 36 residents who share kitchens, living areas, and even planned social events. With locations across Europe and now expanding into the U.S., Cohabs seeks to provide an antidote to urban loneliness.
In a converted Columbia Heights property, residents share 36 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and multiple communal areas, such as kitchens and rooftop decks. For some, like 28-year-old Martin Beugeling, a Dutch embassy employee, this arrangement offers a more social environment than traditional group housing. For others, it’s an easy, no-hassle way to find roommates without the headaches of Craigslist.
Loneliness in the Digital Age
Social isolation isn't just a housing issue; it's deeply intertwined with how we connect. The rise of social media promised to bring us closer, but for many, it’s had the opposite effect – breeding comparison, anxiety, and a lack of genuine interaction. Platforms like Socialode aim to address this by focusing on real connections, privacy, and shared interests.
A Mixed History of Co-Living
The co-living model isn’t without its challenges. From shared living complaints to issues of affordability, past ventures like WeWork’s WeLive struggled to maintain quality and community. Yet Cohabs and similar ventures are learning from these pitfalls, emphasizing community-building through shared experiences like group meals and outings.
A Future Rooted in Connection
Could living with 35 other people cure loneliness? Perhaps not entirely. But for many, it’s a step in the right direction. By blending affordable living with opportunities for real connection, co-living spaces represent a shift away from isolation. As Martin Beugeling puts it, “I was looking for a place that was more social, where I could meet other people.”
At Socialode, we understand the importance of creating spaces – digital or physical – where people feel seen, heard, and connected. Whether it’s a co-living house or a thoughtfully designed social media platform, the goal remains the same: fostering authentic human connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
As Always,
You Just Need To Be You
Cheers,
The Socialode Team
