Restoring Real-Life Connections
In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, Professor Michael Atar, Founder and CEO of NEER® Global has launched a bold new initiative to help people reconnect in real, meaningful ways. NEER® isn’t just another app; it’s a rethink of how we meet, designed to make human connection safer, more rewarding, and genuinely human again.
Drawing on his experience as a psychotherapist, Michael recognised the problem long before recent global shifts brought it into sharper focus. Many people struggle to approach one another, to open up, or to feel safe in social situations. The Covid-19 pandemic deepened isolation, while movements like #MeToo rightly highlighted the importance of safety, trust, and mutual respect in all interactions for everyone.
At the same time, existing social and dating apps often fall short. Endless swiping can feel superficial, exhausting, and demoralising, reducing connection to a game of quick judgements and leading to what many now recognise as “swipe fatigue.”
A Different Way to Connect
NEER® offers a clear alternative: Less scrolling, more real life. The platform shifts the focus away from digital small talk and towards meaningful, in-person encounters. Its approach is built around three simple ideas:
– Connect: Users are introduced to handpicked, like-minded people who share similar interests and intentions. Safety and trust sit at the heart of the experience. And NEER® isn’t limited to dating. Connections can be social, professional or romantic, depending on what users are looking for.
– Collect: NEER® rewards people for showing up. By meeting other members in real life, users collect points that can be exchanged for exclusive benefits and offers from NEER®’s growing network of partners. The idea is simple: No money spent, yet real rewards gained. Just by connecting.
– Create: Beyond individual meetups, NEER® encourages personal growth. Michael describes it as a “second, social brain”, a supportive tool that helps users step confidently into the kind of social life they want, ultimately becoming the best version of themselves.
Designed for Real Life
What truly sets NEER® apart is its commitment to real-world interaction. Messaging within the app is intentionally limited, used mainly to signal interest, goals and availability rather than replace face-to-face contact. The aim is always to move interactions offline.
To support this, NEER® partners with trusted local brands and businesses to create designated “safe spots”, welcoming venues where verified members can meet comfortably and confidently. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, playing tennis, or attending a concert, the focus is on shared experiences, not rigid dating scripts.
At the London launch of NEER® in September 2025, Ukrainian dance star Nadiya Bychkova summed up the appeal: “I think it’s better that people have conversations with each other rather than just being on your phones swiping left and right.”
NEER® plans rapid expansion, launching next in New York City and Los Angeles, followed by the Middle East and Mumbai. Available on both iOS and Android, it’s designed as a flexible tool whether someone is looking for friendship, community or professional networking. A small membership fee helps ensure that those who join are genuinely invested, raising the quality, safety and intention of every interaction.
For Professor Atar, NEER® is more than a business. It reflects a deeper commitment to human wellbeing. The same drive that underpins his work in medicine, mental health, and social innovation. In a world where loneliness has become increasingly common, NEER® offers a practical, thoughtful way for people to reconnect, safely and meaningfully, in real life.
