Photo: WBZ NewsRadio Archive
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — They say that money can’t buy happiness, but that might not be true as multiple new online services in Boston are letting people “buy friendships”.
The concept has been building steam recently with the creation of several services including, Livvi and GirlFriends Boston.
The services work by users paying either a monthly subscription or a fee per use, which then allows them to attend various group events and outings with the opportunity to make friendly connections with other users.
Services such as these are typically being used by young people that are just moving to the city and are looking to connect.
Prices vary but GirlFriends Boston has users pay a monthly $20 subscription, while Livvi charges a $5 fee per group placement.
When asked about the new trend, some people in Boston were in support of the idea and could understand why others would use it.
“I think when you come into town, especially if you don’t know anybody, why not? It’s kind of hard to meet people now a days, so I don’t think that’s a bad idea at all,” said one man.
On the other hand, some disagreed with the idea and rejected the notion that friendship could be bought.
“Oh no, I don’t think paying for a friend should be a thing,” said one local.
While one woman was just plain unsure on how to feel about the whole idea and the people who use the services.
“Absolutely not, they have different intentions, they’re motivated by money, I don’t need… well I do need people like that in my life, I don’t know this is hard,” she said.
Others offered some alternatives to making friends without having to pay a price.
“I just go out, and I just see people and I talk to them, face to face,” said one resident.
“The best thing to do, like the people tell me, ‘Get a job and keep it and hold onto it’,” said one man.
For more information about Livvi you can click here and for more information on GirlFriends Boston you can click here.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.