Vancouver TikToker Attempts 30 Activities to Tackle City's Loneliness Problem

Anna Ho begins her TikTok videos with a simple, relatable statement: "So I live in Vancouver, and I have no friends."

The 23-year-old, who has lived in Vancouver her entire life, says her social circle dwindled after high school. Without attending post-secondary education, she found herself struggling to meet people in a city infamous for its insular social dynamics.

Vancouver’s loneliness problem is well-documented, with a 2012 city task force acknowledging a lack of belonging among residents. In 2022, Vancouver was ranked one of the 10 worst cities globally for expats by InterNations, adding to its "unfriendly" reputation.

The Challenge

To combat the isolation, Ho set a bold goal: to try 30 different activities to meet new people, sharing her experiences on TikTok. Her journey has included attending electronic music festivals with strangers, painting classes, and using the Bumble BFF app.

"Meeting new people is very draining and tiring," Ho admitted, comparing it to a job interview or dating. Despite the challenges, she remains committed, spending both time and money to broaden her social horizons.

Vancouver's Social Struggles

Experts say Ho’s challenges are not unique. Kimberlee Brownlee, a UBC professor specializing in loneliness, explains that making friends requires repeated interactions with the same people.

"If the activity brings her in contact with the same group regularly, she might develop friendships," Brownlee said. "But these efforts are still vital for exercising social skills."

Brownlee and others point to Vancouver’s geography and rainy climate as factors that discourage socialization. The city's transient nature and tight-knit cliques can also make it harder for newcomers to integrate.

A Lesson from Seattle

In Seattle, the term “Seattle Freeze” describes the coldness and passivity locals exhibit toward newcomers. Alexandra Friedman, a Seattle-based friendship coach, says that while the term resonates with many, it can perpetuate a defeatist mindset.

"Leaning into what works, rather than focusing on what doesn’t, is key," Friedman said.

One Friend at a Time

Ho, who has made one friend so far, says her journey is about more than just numbers.

"I’m learning to not take rejection personally," she said. "Not everyone’s going to like you, and that’s okay."

Her TikTok challenge has resonated with many, sparking conversations about loneliness and the effort it takes to connect in big cities.

"Even if I don’t make as many friends as I’d hoped, I’ll come out of this as a stronger person," Ho said.

Her story is a reminder that while making friends in Vancouver—or anywhere—takes effort, it’s worth the investment for personal growth and the chance to build meaningful connections.