The Bracket Project

Bring it offline

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Our Proposal

As part of our broader research into tackling loneliness, The Bracket Project connects people through a mobile application that fosters small, focused, topic-based groups—intentionally limited in size and known as Brackets. These intimate spaces allow members to engage deeply with their interests alongside a close-knit group, creating the foundation for authentic, in-person connections and encouraging members to "bring it offline." Our goal is to transform the way people find real connection, addressing the loneliness epidemic by bridging the gap between digital interaction and genuine human bonds.

Bracket

Our methodology

The Bracket Project takes a scientific, data-driven approach to proactively address the widespread issue of loneliness. With 73% of Gen Z experiencing feelings of loneliness, understanding how meaningful social connections form has never been more urgent. Initially developed as a series of algorithms, our research explores homophily by analyzing how shared interests and personality traits, measured through the OCEAN model, contribute to meaningful friendships. By studying user interactions within structured social networks, we aim to assess how personality congruence can alleviate loneliness. Effectively, The Bracket serves as a bridge between psychological theory and technology, providing data-driven insights into one of today’s most pressing social challenges. Through this research, we hope to illuminate new pathways to foster authentic connections and offer proactive, tangible solutions to the loneliness epidemic.

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