Hinge Launches Phonebook to Encourage Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
NEW YORK, February 21, 2024: Hinge is on a mission to help Gen Z tackle their feelings of loneliness with its social impact program, One More Hour, aimed at helping them add more in-person connections to their lives. In celebration of Global Day of Unplugging (sundown March 1 to sundown March 2, 2024), Hinge is empowering young adults to get off their phones by releasing a pocket-sized Phonebook filled with over 100 pages of free ideas and inspiration for in-person connection time.
75% of Gen Zers agree that spending time with others in person makes them feel less lonely.** Designed to fit in the palm of your hand like your smartphone, Hinge’s Phonebook features pages of creative and reflective activities that young adults need to unplug and focus on their time with others. From drawing a ‘sketch-ie’ instead of taking a selfie, to using food waste - such as avocado pits - for dyeing clothes, and discovering free or accessible activities, the Phonebook was written by Hinge with contributions from over 19 collaborators, including creative collective Aerthship, chef DeVonn Francis of Yardy World, MOLD Magazine, drag queen hostess Steak Diane, and web artist Yehwan Song.
"We live so much of our lives online that unplugging can feel drastic or scary, but Global Day of Unplugging isn't about shaming anyone for their screen time. It's about showing people that tapping into the magic of IRL is way easier than it seems," says Josh Penny, Hinge's Social Impact Director. "Our physical Phonebook supports young adults who may be wondering 'Okay, I unplugged. Now what?'"
Starting on February 21, young adults across the U.S. can order a free copy of the Phonebook at hinge.co/onemorehour (up to 2,000 copies available), where it can also be downloaded.
On February 29, Hinge will send an in-app message to its users to encourage them to enjoy tech-free moments for Global Day of Unplugging. To inspire in-person connection among young adults, Hinge donated $100,000 to Global Day of Unplugging to provide microgrants for creating 100 unplugged experiences focused on Gen Zers across the U.S. through the end of April. From meditation sessions and flag football games to book clubs, comedy shows, and musical performances, young adults can find gatherings or submit an event in their area at globaldayofunplugging.org/unplug-events.
“Getting out of our heads and into our hearts, putting down our devices, and being fully aware of our bodies helps us intentionally build connections with others,” says Moe Ari Brown, licensed therapist and Hinge’s Love and Connection Expert. “Activities often engage more than one of our senses, helping us to be more physically, mentally, and emotionally present in our experiences.”
Hinge has a long-standing commitment of tackling loneliness and facilitating meaningful in-person connections. By collaborating with its in-house and external experts and partners, Hinge equips people with the necessary tools, resources, and tips they need to foster community and belonging. Earlier this year, Hinge’s social impact program, One More Hour, launched a $1M fund to award grants to social groups and organizations in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City that are helping Gen Z find belonging and community in person. Hinge also partners with various organizations, including the Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness — working closely with other brands and organizations to advocate for policies and initiatives to reduce loneliness – and the Crisis Text Line in expanding its resources on loneliness so that young adults can more effectively access support. Additionally, Hinge has teamed up with the Surgeon General to help combat loneliness for daters during the pandemic.
To learn more about Hinge’s social impact program, One More Hour, please visit hinge.co/onemorehour.
**Methodology
From December 15, 2023, to January 10, 2024, Hinge worked with the Gen Z insights firm DCDX to conduct a national survey of more than 2,500 18-25-year-olds.
About Hinge
The Dating App Designed To Be Deleted®: Hinge is on a mission to create a less lonely world by inspiring intimate, in-person connections. Through in-depth and personalized profiles, daters have unique conversations that get them off the app and out on great dates. And it’s resonating. Hinge is setting up a date every two seconds. Hinge was acquired by Match Group (NASDAQ:MTCH) in 2018.
About Global Day of Unplugging
Global Day of Unplugging is organized by Unplug Collaborative, a nonprofit that supports educators, leaders, and event hosts who want to see their communities elevate human connection over digital engagement any day of the year. To learn more, visit www.globaldayofunplugging.org/our-mission.
About dcdx
dcdx is a leading Gen Z research & advisory firm helping the world’s top brands attract Gen Z. Recognized as experts on Gen Z behavior, dcdx has a youth-centric approach to research rooted in a network of 200,000+ Gen Z’ers. See their work and get in touch at https://dcdx.co.