Meeting new people in third spaces

INTRODUCTION TO THIRD PLACES

Book clubs, workshops, and sober parties have been on the rise, but few people are aware that they are considered third places. But what is a third place? Third places are communal public spaces that exist outside our first and second spaces: our homes, schools, or workplaces. While people may think there is a lack of third places in Singapore, there are many. The real problem is actually Singaporeans’ hesitance to interact with others. 

IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL INTERACTIONS

Younger youths, who grew up during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were mostly indoors and communicating online, reported increased anxiety about interacting with strangers, according to the Institute of Policy Studies at NUS. Hence, there’s a need for third places, as they serve as places for people to develop their social skills. These social interactions are vital as they enhance social skills, reduce loneliness, since positive interactions with others are said to increase our production of endorphins. 

A PLACE FOR SOCIAL MIXING 

Surveys by the Institute of Policy Studies show that people seldom interact with those outside their social circles. Social mixing can reduce the spread of negative stereotypes and foster connections across religions and social classes, promoting open-mindedness and learning about diverse life experiences. Third places can facilitate these interactions by bringing together individuals with shared interests, but of diverse backgrounds.

CONCLUSION

As the loneliness epidemic rises, third places are becoming increasingly important. Even just by going to an event held at your community centre, you’re already in a third place, being able to meet people in your neighbourhood that you might not know even exist. Through these small social interactions, we can learn to be more social and find new perspectives.

Writer: Sherlyn

Published: 17/04/2026

References

Cayla, J. (2025, March 28). Why talking to strangers is a skill we can’t afford to lose. Nanyang Business School. https://www.ntu.edu.sg/business/news-events/news/story-detail/why-talking-to-strangers-is-a-skill-we-can-t-afford-to-lose 

Weisel, Z. K., & Miletić, M. Third Places and Why We Need Them. https://doi.org/10.57708/BF-P3JU7WTKCHW02JVI13AW

Hubbard, D. (2023, December 4). Five Surprising Health Benefits to Socialising with Others. Summa Health. https://www.summahealth.org/flourish/entries/2023/12/five-surprising-health-benefits-to-socializing-with-others 

En, S. M. (2018, January 19). Creating opportunities for mixing more important in fostering cohesive society: Grace Fu. Today Online. https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/creating-opportunities-mixing-more-important-fostering-cohesive-society-grace-fu