“No apps, no pressure, just genuine connection” — ForReal Aims to Bring Back IRL Socialising

Everyone’s busy, already has their own circle, or is just too drained after long work hours to socialise. Most of the time, people want to connect with someone new, they just don’t know where to do it.

That’s where ForReal comes in. We recently spoke to the team behind this social networking initiative, which was created to bring strangers together, minus the awkwardness. Their goal? To offer a safe, welcoming space where people can hang out, talk, and form genuine connections offline.

How it began

Before ForReal became what it is today, the team came up with the idea of being a “middleman” for people over 21 to help them form genuine connections.

However, they soon realised that most networking events felt forced and out of touch with reality.

“There was just something authentic missing, something real. We were just university students when we started event-planning at a uni level and realised how hard it was to form organic connections, especially if you’re not a local.”

They explained that ForReal started as a student club run by six students who wanted to connect strangers. Despite having different strengths, they worked together to build the network.

Why connection matters

When asked why helping people connect matters, ForReal said they wanted to bring back the human experience. “Imagine you're out with friends and everyone’s glued to their phones. We felt like phones were disconnecting us more than connecting us. We're not anti-tech, we're anti-dopamine addiction.

"We wanted to bring back real conversations without the constant dopamine hits and burnout. Humans thrive in the collective, we’re social creatures. It just felt long overdue. We felt we were owed this, so we made it happen,” they explained.

What to expect at a ForReal event

According to the team, ForReal events are different — but not gimmicky. With authenticity at the core, they pride themselves on creating safe, secure spaces, especially for women.

“We understand the risks, and we go the extra mile. We familiarise ourselves with the audience, talk to them as friends, and constantly check in with the community, whether it’s making sure someone got home safely or listening to feedback. There’s a lot of love and care behind the scenes.”

ForReal works with volunteers at every event and ensures everyone is briefed on safety protocols like emergency exits and fire hazards.

Ultimately, it’s the little things that make ForReal events feel safe and fun.

“One thing our team has really mastered is eye contact. It sounds simple, but it goes a long way in creating a space that feels warm, safe, and seen. Our ground team is all about providing a 5-star experience.”

ForReal currently aims to host two events per month. On average, each event sees 70 to 100 attendees, but they always try to keep it small and intimate.

To join, just head over to their website. There aren’t many requirements, you just need to be at least 21 years old to participate.

Who shows up?

When asked about the typical demographic, the team said it varies widely. “We’ve had working adults from 25 to 30, and even people in their 50s. We’ve had Gen Zs, Millennials — basically everyone. We’ve met some of the most interesting people at ForReal, some who’ve had near-death experiences, some who accidentally killed cactuses by overwatering, and others who are proper dancers who light up the floor.”

They added, “That’s the beauty of it. We don’t label people by age, gender, or race. We see them for the bits and pieces of their life story. It’s like getting the synopsis of a book instead of just the cover.”

The ups and the downs

When asked about their most memorable event, the team found it hard to choose.

“We all have our personal favourites. The Old Money-themed event and Jazz Night received overwhelming compliments and positive feedback, so we like to think we nailed a few things there.”

As for challenges, finding venues that prioritise safety, especially for women — remains a top concern. “We’ve been lucky to work with the right people, and we believe the right intentions attract the right people. For us, people always come first.”