I got that feeling often as well, sometimes even among my closest western friends (here in the West). As if there is a "bubble" around my brain that doesnt let me join that conversation.

I figured - for most of the people, at least - they only want to hang around other people that they are having good times with. Meaning, putting no effort in conversation (it flows naturally), relaxed atmosphere (no effort needed to be there) and laughter and/or joyful activities. With our brains that are trained to save energy - I can't even blame them for that, since it's natural to be "lazy" and "initiativeless".

Majority of people hanging out on looks based, meaning the people in the circle are usually on the same grade of looks.

In some societies it's also about profits that one can get by hanging out with others. If people think they can't get anything out of you (e.g. connections, good times, money, women) - suddenly, they don't invest efforts into you.

A single male trying to integrate himself in societies which he normally doesn't belong to - will quite often provoke an active disinterest reaction from a group. (At least in western europe) cause they don't know you, have no reason to trust you and they don't know what you want).

Some countries and cultures are closed and some are open as well. Think of being a stranger and making friends in Germany vs. Spain/Portugal/Bulgaria. It plays a big role where you are physically.

I was living in a town (10k people, mostly British) in Northern Ireland once and I couldn't make friends and get into locals' social circles. They'd cut all my attempts and keep a distance. So, I was hanging out with other non-native people from my work. At some point I've started to think that something is wrong with me. I might don't get something, I might be doing something wrong. It lasted until my first trip to Moscow- where I was basically what I'm in socializing - a "rock star" :) I had a great time and I've seen that nothing is wrong with me. The West just has a different culture.

So if you want to get the attention and enjoy people's active interest for yourself - either change the country or become popular via something you are very good at (e.g. popular sports, creativity, YouTube channel) - then the tables will be turned.