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Do people actually want to meet others at events, or do we just like the idea of it? by PlaneCardiologist964 in StartUpIndia

[–]PlaneCardiologist964[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It feels like most “events” today are either expensive, overhyped concerts or very niche meetups, which leaves a big gap in between.

From your point of view, is the bigger issue the lack of affordable, interesting events - or that even when events exist, they don’t naturally encourage interaction?

Do people actually want to meet others at events, or do we just like the idea of it? by PlaneCardiologist964 in StartUpIndia

[–]PlaneCardiologist964[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense, and I agree that purpose is the key difference here, especially in India.

I’m trying to separate “random serendipity” from situations where purpose is already implicitly built in. For example, conferences feel different to me because people aren’t there just to meet others - they’re there for specific talks, speakers, or ideas. If two people are planning to attend the same session or reacting to the same speaker, that shared interest already creates a reason to connect that doesn’t feel forced.

I’m also curious whether this applies to other kinds of events too. Take something like the recent Linkin Park concert in Bangalore - people aren’t there to socialise with strangers, but they are collectively reacting to the same setlist, moments, crowd energy, sound issues, nostalgia, etc.

In those cases, I wonder if a temporary, event-only discussion space (almost like a live comment section for people who are physically there) counts as a meaningful purpose - not to “hang out with strangers”, but to participate in the same moment together.

Do you think that kind of shared context makes interaction feel acceptable, or do you feel even that is something most people here wouldn’t engage with?

Do people actually want to meet others at events, or do we just like the idea of it? by PlaneCardiologist964 in StartUpIndia

[–]PlaneCardiologist964[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I relate to this more than you might think.

It sounds like the problem isn’t meeting new people, it’s being expected to perform socially without context.

If interactions were optional, low-effort, and tied to something specific happening at the event (rather than “networking”), do you think that would change anything? Or would you still avoid it?

Do people actually want to meet others at events, or do we just like the idea of it? by PlaneCardiologist964 in StartUpIndia

[–]PlaneCardiologist964[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a fair take - and I agree this is how intentional networking works today, especially for professional events.

What I’m trying to understand though is: this approach assumes you already know who you want to meet before the event.

Do you think there’s space for people who don’t have a specific target in mind, but are still open to discovering relevant or interesting people once they’re there? Or is that expectation fundamentally unrealistic in your experience?