From Matches to Meaning: Why Shared Interests Matter More Than Algorithms

Let’s face it, making friends as a student isn’t as simple as it looks on social media. Between random DMs, follow-for-follow culture, and algorithm-suggested “people you may know,” it can start to feel like modern connection is more about luck or swiping than shared values. But real friendships rarely come from an algorithm. They come from something deeper: shared interests, mutual curiosity, and the courage to meet up offline.

At Studinty, we believe it’s time to stop leaving friendship to chance and start building it with intention.

From Common Ground to Real Connection

Having things in common is a great place to start. Liking the same music, being in the same programme, or following the same local events can spark conversation and make introductions feel easier. These shared traits create familiarity, and familiarity helps reduce the awkwardness of reaching out to someone new.

But real connection grows when that common ground turns into shared experience. It’s one thing to realise you both love the same band. It’s another to go to a concert together, talk about the lyrics, and laugh about the train ride home. The difference is interaction that goes beyond the surface.

At Studinty, we don’t just show you who you have things in common with. We help you turn that potential into something real by making it easier to meet up, join interest-based communities, and build friendships that go beyond small talk.

Shared Interests: The Glue of Real Connection

Friendships aren’t built in swipes and emojis, they’re built in moments. Like discovering someone else loves the same obscure band, bonding over late-night study sessions, or realizing you both decompress with the same podcast after class.

When two people share a genuine interest, whether it’s photography, hiking, language learning, or even just obsessing over the same TV show, it creates natural conversation. It gives you a reason to meet. It lowers the pressure of making friends and replaces it with something more human: shared curiosity.

At Studinty, we focus on helping students connect through the things they already care about. Not just who you are on paper, but what lights you up in real life.

Why Algorithms Miss the Mark

Here’s the thing, algorithms are great at showing you people who are similar. But similarity is not the same as compatibility. Two people can be in the same year, same city, and love the same memes, and still not click at all. Or, they can come from totally different backgrounds, but share a deep love for storytelling or coding or climbing, and become lifelong friends.

Most social algorithms are built for engagement, not connection. They are designed to keep you scrolling, not to get you off your screen and into a meaningful conversation. That’s the gap Studinty aims to close.

From Digital to Real-Life Moments

Studinty doesn’t just introduce you to people, it gives you a reason to meet. Whether you’re looking to practice Dutch, start a book club, or find someone to go to a local open mic with, the app helps you match based on interests and take the next step: meeting up.

This isn’t about replacing your current platforms. It’s about creating something they don’t offer, a clear path from online interaction to real-life community.

Because while it’s nice to have hundreds of followers, what most students truly want is someone to study with, talk to after class, or share a walk through campus when the week gets overwhelming.

Real Connection Takes Intention

Here’s a secret no algorithm will tell you. Friendships don’t just happen. Even with shared interests, they require small acts of courage: starting a conversation, sending a follow-up message, suggesting a meetup. But those small steps lead to the kind of connection that lasts long after the semester ends.

Studinty is here to make that process easier. Not by throwing more random matches at you, but by helping you find people who genuinely want the same things, in the same place, at the same time.

Because when you stop chasing the perfect match and start leaning into shared meaning, something beautiful happens. You stop scrolling and start connecting.