New App Aims to Use Technology to Drive Real-World Connections

In an era where smartphones can easily lead to hours of scrolling, a new app called NewTree Social is emerging with the goal of leveraging technology to encourage people to disconnect from their devices and engage more with the real world.

Founded by 29-year-old Maddy O'Connor, NewTree Social is an early-stage community events app that aims to help users find local gatherings, wellness events, and run clubs. The app's core concept is to use phone-based discovery to facilitate real-world experiences, bridging the gap between digital convenience and the growing desire for in-person connection.

This trend toward prioritizing real-life interactions appears to be gaining momentum. Eventbrite's 2026 Social Study, which surveyed individuals aged 18 to 35 in the U.S. and U.K., indicated that 79% planned to attend more events in the upcoming year. Notably, 46% of Gen Z respondents reported limiting their screen time, with 74% stating that in-person experiences were more important than digital ones.

NewTree's approach is rooted in O'Connor's personal experience in Washington D.C., where she found it challenging to meet new people without an established social group. Observing the rise in popularity of run clubs, wellness events, and other social gatherings, she developed NewTree to help individuals discover activities that align with their interests, thereby providing a more natural pathway to meeting others.

The app functions similarly to other social platforms, featuring a feed where users can browse nearby events, RSVP, and receive reminders. However, O'Connor emphasized that NewTree is designed to feel more like a social platform than a traditional event directory. Currently focusing on community, fitness, and wellness events in the Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater areas, the app allows hosts to add multimedia content to event listings. User reviews are also intended to play a significant role, potentially influencing an event's visibility within the feed.

While apps like Meetup, Eventbrite, and Facebook already facilitate event discovery, NewTree aims to differentiate itself through a curated, community-focused experience. O'Connor is personally reviewing and approving hosts during the app's initial pilot phase, with plans for reviews to impact event discoverability. The company is also implementing measures to enhance safety, including host verification and user reporting features, although NewTree's terms note that it does not typically perform criminal background checks or identity verification on users.

NewTree collects basic account information, including name, email, date of birth, and location, using this data to help users find and RSVP to events. Hosts receive attendee information for event management. The app currently has a 13+ age rating on the App Store, but NewTree specifies that users must be 18 years or older to create an account.

Currently available on iOS, NewTree plans to expand to Android. The business model is still evolving, with a potential future leaning towards offering premium tools for businesses and hosts while remaining free for users. The app's ultimate success will depend on its ability to encourage users not just to find events, but to actually attend them, thereby fulfilling its mission of transforming digital engagement into tangible real-world connections.