Loneliness is a silent killer. To say it's scary would be an understatement. People make art and music pieces to spread similar messages around those suffering from the feeling of loneliness -- "You're not alone" and "This will pass, too." Sometimes knowing you're not alone is enough. But for those who are tired of listening to the same reassuring messages and are ready to take an active approach in fighting loneliness, there's another way.

Plenty of resources on the internet will offer new friends, but only a few of them will deliver on the promise. We will cut to the chase and lay out the main web platforms out there that actually work. Read on to find out what the go-to places for those looking to make long lasting connections are, and why Tinder didn't make it into our list.

Why Not Tinder?

Sure, when it comes to dating apps Tinder is the first one that comes to mind. And the fact that it's so popular means that you've got a relatively good chance of meeting someone interesting via the app. However, Tinder's got one big problem: its "hookup app" reputation might stop those looking for meaningful connections from joining the platform.

At the same time, that doesn't mean there isn't anything else to Tinder except hooking up. You can use the app to meet people when you travel, get recommendations from locals, and even learn a new language. The platform even launched a new feature called Tinder Social, dedicated to people making friends on the app. But the feature comes with a few restrictions.

In an attempt to attract some fresh audience, the platform even launched a new feature called Tinder Social, dedicated to people making friends on the app. But the feature comes with a few restrictions like the fact that you have to be a part of a group (two or more) to use it.

Alternatives to Tinder Social

For those who are looking for a different experience, here are some alternative resources to use for finding friends online.

1. Bumble BFF

We've previously written about Bumble, and why women are flocking to this dating app. What makes it different is that women make the first move in heterosexual matching, and either person can do it in same-sex matching. The trick is that it has to be done in 24 hours or else the match disappears.

Bumble also has an interesting feature aimed at those looking to make friends on the app. Bumble BFF lets you "match" with potential friends based on their profiles and either user can start a conversation. The 24-hour rule still applies, but why wait longer before you make the first move anyway?

2. Friendmatch

Friendmatch is another app for meeting friends that you can try for free. It combines personal and group approaches and has different search options. You can look for friends as an individual, as well as a group of people.

One particularly interesting feature that Friendmatch has to offer is organizing matchmaking events for friends. The app founders call them Speed-Friending, which is exactly what it sounds like -- speed-dating for friends instead of dates. Perfect for someone interested in personal meetings, but also suffering from a lack of free time.

3. ATLETO

https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7251228/type/dlg/sid/UUmuoUeUpU43919/https://vimeo.com/163744198

There's a reason why people find working out with a friend easier. It means there is always someone who will hold you accountable and won't let you slack off and forget your exercise goals.

ATLETO will help you find a workout buddy in no time. All you need is create a profile and fill in information such as your location and sports-related interests. From that point on the options are endless, whether you're looking for a jogging partner or a team to play basketball with.

After you meet up with people, you can rate them on an interactive scale based on their athletic ability. That is to ensure that you meet up with people on a similar level as yourself.

4. Couchsurfing Local

You're probably familiar with Couchsurfing, an amazing tool for travelers who enjoy exploring new places through the eyes of the locals. But did you know you can use Couchsurfing to make friends in your home city?

Next time you log in to the website, pay attention to the search options. Go past finding hosts and straight to the last three lines: Find events, Find groups, and Find local advice. That's the part of Couchsurfing that is similar to services like Meetup.

You can join various events and local conversations. If you're an active Couchsurfing member, sooner or later it will lead to your meeting interesting people from your neighborhood.

5. Meet My Dog

By far the best option for dog lovers is an app called Meet My Dog. Of course, there's a certain beauty in meeting another dog owner in the park or randomly in the street, but who said you can't have it after a short online search?

On your Meet My Dog profile, you tell the users about yourself and your dog. After you've registered you can check in certain locations when you go for walkies, so that your app friends and their pets can join you for a friendly dog date. Alternatively, you can shoot a message to a user to arrange a one-on-one dog meetup.

You can also find a ton of useful pet advice and cute pictures on the website. What more could a dog lover ask for?

6. SKOUT

SKOUT is an app that will help you meet people of any sex, age, with different interests, and pretty much from all over the world.

Available in almost 200 countries, SKOUT's been helping people find each other since 2007. The app's focus isn't centered around anything specific, meaning that you could use it for anything you like -- from finding a gym partner to a casual chat buddy to someone who could give you advice on your next creative writing piece.

Use the app to chat, exchange pictures and notes with other users, and meet them in real life when you're both ready for it.

Time to Make the First Move

When you're feeling blue, it might seem easier to lock yourself in with a good movie and a box of comfort food. But what if you could share those things with someone with similar interests to yours? In today's world we're way past judging people for online dating, so why not take advantage of similar apps to find like-minded individuals?

Looking for even more? For a guide to a classic chat service, check out our overview of Omegle.