When people go vegan, friendships can sometimes shift. Conversations may grow tense, and a sense of isolation may set in. Some describe this as “veganphobia,” a quiet but very real social barrier that can make forming new relationships harder than expected.
But what if there were an easier way for vegans to find each other, no matter where they lived? That is the idea behind VGN Social, a new app designed to connect plant-based eaters, activists, and anyone seeking community without judgment.
“At a time when loneliness is at its peak, we wanted to create a space that helps people feel seen and supported,” says the app’s founder, Levi Brasga. “For many vegans, finding like-minded friends can be the difference between feeling isolated and feeling at home.”
Animal rights activist Levi Brasga built VGN Social to fulfill a need for connection in the vegan community.
Loneliness in the vegan community
For some vegans, new connections emerge through activism or shared causes. But not everyone has access to those kinds of communities. Many still struggle to meet people who share their values day to day.
In 2023, Steven Cooke, PhD—a lecturer in Political Theory at the University of Leicester—wrote for The Vegan Society that “it can feel like vegans face a choice between sacrificing their principles in order to maintain friendships and flourish, or sacrificing their friendships in order to stay true to their values.”
VGN Social is already an instant hit with users. | Unsplash
There are a few reasons for this, and it comes back to the “veganphobia” mentioned earlier. Psychologists have a more technical term for it: cognitive dissonance.
The concept refers to the uncomfortable feeling we get when our beliefs and behaviors don’t align, like loving pigs but eating bacon, or caring for a pet while roasting a chicken for dinner. People cope with cognitive dissonance in different ways. Some choose to go vegan, while others distance themselves from those who trigger that discomfort, which can look like what some call “veganphobia.”
“Wanting to change dominant norms, as ethical vegans do, threatens the identity—the sense of self—of those who make up the majority,” explains Cooke. “Some people respond to that perceived threat by stigmatizing and shaming as a means of deterrence. There’s a psychological tendency in most of us to uphold the status quo.”
Tackling loneliness with connection
Loneliness isn’t exclusive to vegans, of course. Right now, more people than ever are facing isolation. According to a 2024 poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), one in three Americans experiences feelings of loneliness every week. And while you might assume it’s older generations who are the most affected, young people actually report double the rates of loneliness compared with the elderly.
Young people are also more likely to embrace veganism. And that means that without the right network around them, feelings of isolation can compound.
VGN Social was designed to help vegans find meaningful connections in their communities.
Technology, in theory, should help. The APA poll also found that most Americans believe tech can relieve loneliness and spark new connections. But it’s a double-edged sword. Mainstream social platforms, with their endless feeds and algorithm-driven content, often leave people feeling more disconnected. Studies link excessive social media use with higher rates of anxiety and depression, which are the very symptoms that tend to walk hand in hand with loneliness.
That’s why apps designed with intention matter. Unlike platforms that prioritize attention (basically, keeping you on the app for as long as possible), VGN Social is built around genuine connection. Instead of likes and follower counts, the focus is on meeting people nearby who share your values. For someone who might otherwise feel isolated, having a platform where you can find a person to grab a coffee or vegan brunch with can be a lifeline.
“We’re going on social media, and we’re sharing this app with people,” continues Brasga. “The feedback is absolutely positive. People are messaging saying, ‘I want this.’ There’s a need for it.”
A portion of the app’s proceeds will support animal organizations,
VGN Social: Filling a need
VGN Social is designed to make it easier for vegans and the vegan-curious to find community. Whether you’re looking for a hiking buddy, a restaurant recommendation, or a potential partner, the app acts as a hub for plant-based living.
“We know there are vegan events happening,” Brasga continues. “But they’re not centralized. You have to search through Facebook, and you’ll probably miss things. VGN Social is the centralized place to find friends, and then places and events to connect.”
Here’s how it works. First, create a profile highlighting your interests and goals. The app then shows you like-minded individuals in your area. It’s similar to a dating app model, but with community at the core. Users can also add and discover vegan restaurants, eco-markets, and upcoming events, turning VGN Social into a hub for connection both online and offline.
“The ideal vision is that people go on this app, and they expand their social circles so they don’t feel isolated. To find that best friend, workout partner, or gardening friend to spend time with.”
While the app isn’t specifically for dating, it does include a dating setting for those looking for a relationship. And for users who want more, there’s a premium version where you can access up to six times as many profiles and four times as many events and groups.
VGN Social isn’t built to keep you scrolling, like other social media platforms.
Giving back
Compassion and community are at the core of VGN Social’s mission. A portion of the proceeds goes toward supporting animal rights organizations and vegan creators who promote ethical and sustainable living.
The research supports this. In 2025, Veganuary—the campaign that encourages people to go vegan for the month of January and beyond—had a record-breaking year. Surveys conducted in 11 core countries, including the US, estimated nearly 26 million global participants.
In 2023, Statista also reported that about four percent of Americans identify as vegan. At first glance, that may not sound like much, but it translates to nearly 14 million people. That’s more than the population of a small country, and enough to fill an NFL stadium nearly 200 times over.
The number is only going to grow, as more people shift away from animal products for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. And flexitarianism is on the rise: in fact, research suggests that around one in four people around the world identify as a flexitarian. For some, the lifestyle—characterized by reducing meat intake and increasing intake of plant-based foods—is a stepping stone to a fully plant-based lifestyle.
Of course, data can vary. “We think the numbers are way underestimated,” continues Brasga. “We think our community is much larger than we think it is. We’re hoping that VGN Social exposes that.”
Want to join in the fun? Find your community now at VGN Social.
Thank you to VGN Social for partnering with VegNews on this story.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
