In today’s hyper-connected world, many young adults find themselves more isolated than ever. Amid the constant buzz of messages, news cycles, trends, and endless scrolling, something essential is missing: real connection.
Studies have shown that despite being digitally linked at all times, millennials and Gen Z are experiencing a deep emotional disconnect, with anxiety, loneliness, and a loss of genuine interaction being on the rise.
Unfortunately, a paradox defines modern life: We’re always communicating, yet rarely connecting in meaningful ways.
Enter Unbound Singapore, a company rewriting the script on modern social interaction by creating spaces for unfiltered conversations about what it means to be human.
Founded by 27-year-olds Amirah and Hakim, Unbound Singapore was born from the belief that people crave more than surface-level interaction. Their gatherings are intentionally designed to foster vulnerability, empathy, and honest conversations.
Reclaiming Connection in the Age of Convenience
Between packed schedules, side hustles, and social burnout, many young adults are simply too drained to connect meaningfully. While messaging and video calls offer convenience, they often lack the emotional depth of real, face-to-face interaction.
We saw how many young people were growing up online, constantly connected yet emotionally disconnected – Unbound Singapore
Since 2023, digital fatigue has become increasingly visible, with McKinsey & Company reporting that more Gen Zs are turning to digital detoxes and physical media in search of presence and authenticity.
In Singapore, the relentless hustle to get ahead in the competitive job market has young adults working overtime and prioritising work over their mental well-being and time with loved ones, with some even disregarding their mental health struggles to stay employed.
However, psychologists have warned that when a person withdraws and keeps problems to themselves, they are less likely to have support or notice that something is wrong.
Unbound set out to disrupt this cycle of disconnection. Their events create intentional spaces for people to slow down, be present, and move beyond small talk.
“To be seen by another is one of the most human experiences you can have,” they add. “At our events, we want people to put their phones down and have real conversations.”
A Space for Every Kind of Conversation
Unbound Singapore hosts three distinct types of events:
- How Are You, Really? – A workshop that pushes beyond small talk. Through honest sharing and reflective activities, participants connect on their struggles, joys, and everything in between
- No Filter Zone – A space to navigate uncomfortable but necessary conversations, from global issues to personal identity. It’s not about winning debates – it’s about understanding and being understood.
- Conversation Cards and Chill – A laid back session centered around Unbound’s own card game. Think: guided curiosity and connection, minus the pressure.
What Unbound offers are safe and honest spaces for conversation and reflection – spaces where people can show up as they are, be heard without judgement and to connect through shared vulnerability.
However, these aren’t therapy sessions and Unbound makes that clear.
“We’re not trained professionals,” they admit. “We’re honest about that, and we always direct people to proper resources if they need more support.”
Unbound may not be the only answer to our disconnection, but they remind us that we all have the power to create change, one honest conversation at a time.
Whether it’s showing up to a community event, sharing a meal with intention, or simply asking a friend, “How are you, really?”— these small, conscious acts inch us closer to the kind of world we all crave: one where we feel seen, supported, and truly connected.
Who Shows Up — And Why
So what draws people in? According to the team, it’s the freedom to talk about the things that don’t usually get said.
Raani, 30, who participated in one of the “No Filter Zone” events, shared that what resonated with her the most was that saying “no” is okay, especially when it aligns with her core values and protects her mental well-being.
She learned that it’s not always about rejection, and she doesn’t need to feel guilty for setting those boundaries. She left feeling grounded, inspired, and reminded that she’s not alone in the journey of figuring it all out.
What’s next? For now, Unbound is staying true to what works – refining their sessions, listening to their community, and expanding the reach of their conversation cards, which are quickly becoming a crowd favorite.
The dream is for these cards to spark dialogue not just at events, but at family dinners, date nights, or coffee chats with friends.
Their advice to others looking to start similar spaces? Just start. Don’t let fear of imperfection paralyse you. Learn as you go. And most importantly, “respond with empathy, not solutions.”
Follow @unboundsg.social on Instagram to learn more or join their next event!
So, how are you, really, today?