Beyond Technology: Social Health, Loneliness, and AI Dominate Discussions at SXSW 2025

By Flavio Pripas
Partner at Experience Club US

I have been attending SXSW since 2014. This 2025 edition marks my 11th participation (the only time I missed it was in 2020 when the event was canceled due to the pandemic). SXSW has become a must-attend event on my annual calendar. I use these intense days to reflect on global events, identify new trends, establish meaningful connections, and gain clear insights into which technologies, business models, and companies have the greatest chances of success in the future—essential insights for my role as a venture capital investor.

What fascinates me most about SXSW is that the event does not focus on technology for the sake of technology. On the contrary, it delves deeply into technology’s impact on society, human relationships, and major issues and concerns about our planet and beyond (I particularly enjoy NASA’s sessions, which are always inspiring).

This year, we arrived in Austin with the Experience Club + PROS Mission at SXSW 2025, bringing together over 100 executives from major corporations, entrepreneurs, and renowned business leaders. Even before the official event began, during our first networking happy hour, I was challenged by Flavio Jansen (founder of Submarino and a mission member), who asked me what I thought would be the central theme of this edition. I honestly admitted that I didn’t know yet. I asked for three days to observe and bring back an accurate answer.

Indeed, SXSW traditionally has a central theme that permeates various talks and discussions throughout the event. In previous years, we have seen topics such as genetic manipulation, emerging social networks, generative AI, the metaverse, and cryptocurrencies dominate the conversation. However, this year, the guiding theme was not immediately clear.

THE CLUE IN THE OPENING KEYNOTE

The opening keynote provided an important clue. Kasley Killam, a renowned expert in social health and award-winning author of The Art and Science of Connection, along with Amy Gallo, a workplace expert, introduced the concept of “social health”. According to Killam, we are facing an epidemic that could surpass even mental health issues in severity—an issue that has been widely discussed in recent post-pandemic years.

Killam highlighted how the quality of interpersonal relationships is directly linked to quality of life, specifically warning about the alarming rise of the “loneliness epidemic.” She pointed out that more and more people are living in isolation, hiding behind screens or Zoom meetings, avoiding real-life relationships, and even seeking emotional refuge in artificial intelligence agents—a shocking reality in which individuals are already “dating” AI companions.

This theme of loneliness surfaced in several subsequent talks. Amy Webb, during the highly anticipated Future Today Institute’s annual report launch, repeatedly mentioned how people are outsourcing their lives to artificial intelligence, leading to inevitable negative consequences. Webb emphasized that while AI is a powerful enabler, we must avoid excessive dependence and ensure that technology enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them.

Scott Galloway, in his traditional market trends talk, also emphasized the issue of loneliness. He discussed how extreme political polarization between right and left has driven people further apart, leading them to “cancel” each other rather than engaging in dialogue. Galloway also mentioned that the decline in alcohol consumption among young people—while positive from a physical health perspective—might inadvertently be contributing to social isolation, as alcohol has historically played a role as a social lubricant.

LONGEVITY, AI, AND HUMAN CONNECTION

Another highlight was Dr. Peter Attia’s talk on longevity. Beyond traditional aspects of health maintenance—such as nutrition, exercise, and supplements—Attia strongly emphasized the importance of social connections as a critical factor for living longer and better. He presented studies clearly showing that older adults with active social circles experience better quality of life and lower rates of disease.

In nearly every session related to Artificial Intelligence and human-machine collaboration, experts repeatedly reinforced that AI should enhance human potential rather than replace it. This message was consistently emphasized, echoing the concerns initially presented by Amy Webb.

AN OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE

Despite the sometimes alarming tone of these discussions, I leave this edition of SXSW with an optimistic view of the future. Addressing the loneliness epidemic immediately and finding effective ways to foster real human connections is essential. We are at a historic moment of unique technological opportunities.

I firmly believe that before the end of this decade, we will have access to revolutionary technologies, such as:

• Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which will further unlock human creativity;
• Quantum computing, enabling unprecedented complex simulations and accelerating the discovery of groundbreaking medical treatments;
• Innovative clean energy sources (solar, nuclear), ensuring energy abundance for an increasingly resource-demanding world.

Additionally, we are witnessing incredible advances in interplanetary exploration, which could open new frontiers for humanity’s collective growth.

Indeed, it is a privilege to live and actively participate in this extraordinary period in human history.

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Flavio Pripas is a partner at Staged Ventures and Experience Club US, an investor, entrepreneur, and serial innovator. In 2012, he was recognized as one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business by FastCompany Magazine. He designed, led, and served on the board of Cubo, one of Latin America’s leading innovation hubs, created to foster Brazilian entrepreneurship, based in São Paulo. With over 25 years of experience in technology, business, and entrepreneurship, Flavio leverages his expertise to drive digital transformation and innovation in both startups and major corporations.