For years, “IRL” – short for “in real life” – was a niche term. Now, it’s mainstream, reflecting a growing desire for genuine connection in a world increasingly dominated by screens. A recent study by Eventbrite confirms this trend: people aren’t just seeking events; they’re seeking authentic experiences that feel spontaneous, unpredictable, and deeply rooted in their communities.
The Eventbrite Findings: What People Really Want
Eventbrite’s 2025 study, titled “Reset to Real,” surveyed over 4,000 individuals in the US and UK (ages 18-35). While not peer-reviewed, the results paint a clear picture: nearly half (49%) of respondents wish events felt less curated and more real. The desire for authenticity extends further, with 58% wanting events that feel one-of-a-kind, and 79% prioritizing spontaneity.
Other key findings include:
- Over half (58% ) trust people, not algorithms, for event recommendations.
- A substantial 89% believe events should foster a sense of local community.
- 50% are more inclined to attend events tied to a cause, seeking meaning beyond mere entertainment.
These numbers demonstrate a clear rejection of overly polished, predictable experiences in favor of something raw, genuine, and locally driven.
The Loneliness Epidemic and the Rise of Digital Fatigue
This shift isn’t happening in a vacuum. For decades, social connectedness has been quietly eroding. The U.K. even created a Minister of Loneliness in 2018, recognizing the growing epidemic before the COVID-19 pandemic amplified it. The proliferation of social media and smartphones since the mid-1990s has made digital interaction commonplace, but it can’t replicate the full spectrum of human connection.
Meeting online lacks the richness of physical presence: body language, shared space, and even the unpredictable nature of real-time interaction. Scientific research confirms this; studies show physical touch and in-person interaction have tangible health benefits.
Adding to this is “digital fatigue.” Spending hours staring at screens takes a toll on both mental and physical well-being. In-person events offer a needed break from constant digital stimulation.
A Backlash Against Curated Reality
The craving for “IRL” experiences is also a reaction against the heavily curated nature of online life. Social media often presents idealized versions of reality, designed to sell products, influence perceptions, or simply project an illusion of perfection. Authenticity, the study shows, is a core desire. People are tired of staged experiences and crave genuine connection.
Real connections arise from spontaneity and serendipity —moments you can’t engineer through an algorithm. The desire to disconnect from the digital facade and re-engage with the messy, unpredictable beauty of real life is driving this trend.
In conclusion, the shift towards IRL experiences is not just a fleeting fad. It’s a response to a growing sense of loneliness, digital fatigue, and a desire for authenticity in a world saturated with curated realities. People are craving genuine connection, and that means stepping away from the screen and back into the real world.
