In seeking community, are group chats replacing third spaces?

In an increasingly digital world, the desire for community and human connection remains central to humanity. Whether young or old, everyone seeks it. Due to a dwindling global economy, third spaces are becoming obsolete.

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Younger generations find themselves joining group chats to supplement the benefits of participating in third spaces.

Which begs the question: are group chats replacing third spaces?

Growing popularity of group chats

Group chats offer younger generations a sense of convenience that still provides a sense of belonging and community, without having to commit to long conversations and in-person meet-ups. Khaleej Times spoke to Syrian expat Abbas Mahmoud, who explained the convenience group chats offer. Abbas shared that group chats allow Gen Z to stay connected without the pressure of immediate responses.

“Group chats aren’t just for catching up; they’re hubs for holiday planning, venting sessions, and sharing life updates,” Abbas said. Essentially, group chats help Gen Z manage all aspects of social life seamlessly and with convenience.

However, Girish Hemnani, a life coach and energy healer based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, expressed concerns about potential downsides of using group chats as a sole social outlet, stating that it may unintentionally encourage self-isolation. Thus suggesting a balanced approach.

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Dwindling third spaces

Affordability has become one of the core reasons third spaces are being impacted. Third spaces include parks, pubs, cinemas, cafes, or community centres. A low-pressure and once inexpensive space to frequently meet up with friends is now an expense. The money and time it requires to plan a hangout now is not the same as it was in the past.

The effort also seems bigger when one considers the convenience of the group chats. This begs the question of how possible it actually is to keep the balanced approach.

Are group chats the contemporary third space?

Group chats have become a space where strangers can interact on common ground; there are artist spaces, fandoms, and group chats that centre around your interests. All you need to do is text back and perhaps join in on virtual calls.

When considering the financial aspects, the high unemployment rate in the South African context, and the time commitment required to participate in third spaces, it seems the growing popularity of group chats is supplementing the benefits that come with third spaces.

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