Discuss & Social 🍷 The loneliness epidemic: a result of far-right tactics?

Make new friends and chat about everything from daily life to big world issues in our no-judgment space. This week's topic: Many blame loneliness on screen time and prescribe digital detoxes or trendy meetups, but ignore its root causes. Philosopher *Hannah Arendt* once warned that isolation is linked to divisive politics - and the last decade brought us Brexit, online echo chambers, anti-Diversity influencers, and more polarization... everyone has grown more suspicious. So can making a few friends really cure loneliness when social media increasingly tells not to trust people who think or look different? We'll discuss...

1. Is loneliness caused by screen time or becoming more afraid and suspicious of people who are different from us? 2. Can hobby groups and meetups fix isolation if we're more vigilant and suspicious? 3. Who profits from loneliness and division in society?

*Skip the small talk and join a room of global minds and cosmopolitans for our weekly conversation lounge. Find meaningful and international perspectives on modern culture, relationships, and society. No expertise needed - just an open mind and your life experiences. Come for the perspectives. Stay for the connections.*

🍸 THE VIBE

• Curated Conversations: Thoughtful, intriguing, and deep. It's more about our personal journeys and lived experiences, less about academic point-scoring. • Cinematic Backdrop: Hosted in a moody lounge perfect for late-night drinks and cozy conversation. • Fluid Mingling: A balance of guided group discussions and casual socializing over drinks. • A Global Collective: Connect with international graduates, London's creatives, open-minded travelers, etc.

🕒 THE RUN SHEET

• 19:30 – 20:00 \| The Warm Up: Arrive, grab a cocktail, and chat casually as everyone settles into the lounge.. • 20:00 – 21:30 \| The Discussion Circles: We move into our hosted conversation circles. We shuffle groups so you meet new faces. • 21:30 – Late \| The After-Chat: Shift to casual socializing. The lounge bar stays open late for socialising and drinks.

📜 OUR DISCUSSION CODE (rules of engagement)

1. Curiosity over judgement: We're here to explore how different people think. Listen, ask questions, learn from each other. Every view is a puzzle and we want to understand all angles without judging the people who bring them. 2. Respect the mic: This is a shared space, not a soapboxing stage. Give everyone a chance to speak. 3. Don't take it personally: We can explore different views while remaining completely kind and respectful to the people sharing them. 4. Be Present: We put our phones away during the conversation to truly connect with the people around us.

📍 THE LOGISTICS

• Where: The lounge bar/cafe at Curzon Aldgate, 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS. • Entry: Free to join the discussion. The bar/cafe requests all guests to order drinks or snacks - we ask everyone is to spend minimum £4 as soon as you arrive.. • Dress Code: Smart/City Casual • Transport: Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway stations are all within a 5-minute walk.

✅ "Pending approval" to group? Please wait until you are approved as we're balancing participants across different channel pools.

*IMPORTANT: Our events are 100% free and volunteer-run, but we gather at a fantastic café that expects all guests to purchase food or drink - we ask everyone to buy at least £4 worth of food/drink (e.g. a tea, coffee, drink and snack) after you arrive. It's not allowed to bring outside food or drinks.*

🌎 ABOUT US World Citizens is London's premier cosmopolitan collective. For over 15 years, we have curated high-vibe spaces, salon discussions, and cultural mixers for global minds, young professionals, and international expats living in the capital.

*Our other weekly events* • Friday evening socials every week • Cafe tour around London every Saturday • Canary Wharf socials every other Wednesday • Outdoor fun (hiking\, kayaking\, etc) every weekend • Dining\, cultural and travel activities…