We are facing a friendship recession. In 2026, the number of adults with no close friends has quadrupled, and those with ten or more close friends have fallen almost three times. These statistics do not spell out a happy story but it’s important to remember we’re living amongst a generation that deeply values social initiatives. While we expect these to be the domain of charities, it’s and who have made the real effort to tackle the loneliness epidemic.
In a one-of-a-kind experience, White Claw and Defected Records teamed up to test , a social experiment testing whether the dancefloor has the power to turn ten strangers into lifelong friends. The experiment was the result of a rigorous competition that asked participants three questions: Why do you want to Find Your People in Ibiza? What does house music mean to you? And what would your ideal 24 hours in Ibiza look like?
The winners of the competition were a special group: George, Ravina, David, Samantha, Ollie, Ellie, Olivia, Dani, Nicole and Victor. For most of the crew, Ibiza was a regular destination – but this trip was one that was different.
For most of our lucky winners, they met each other at Ibiza Airport, arriving on a sunny September day. The encounter was warm and convivial, and they excitedly greeted one another with hugs and smiles. After making it to the hotel – the very swanky NH Collection Hotel Ibiza – the group were greeted with Pinot Grigio and a stunning pool. To top it off, each member of the crew was awarded White Claw goody bags, which contained all of their party essentials from earplugs to sunscreen.
After arriving, the group settled in. On a quick trip to the corner shop, a few of the girls even bumped into Wayne Lineker. From the get-go, the winners had each other’s backs. Olivia said, “My room was not ready when we arrived, and one of the girls let me get ready in hers, and she even gave me a headpiece she brought.”
Shortly after, the crew was picked up in a pair of suave blacked-out cars and escorted to a private villa for the White Claw x Defected takeover. The private party gave the winners some time to settle in before they were whisked away for professional interviews. Following this, they were provided with a buffet of the finest Spanish paella and BBQ food – not to forget the White Claws that were on tap.
Before the music even started, it was apparent that the group had become fast friends. Undoubtedly, these bonds were solidified when the music started at the villa. Complete with an infinity pool and a sunset, the winners got ready to listen to their favourite Defected DJs. The line-up demonstrated exactly how serious White Claw are about entering the music scene. Selectors included and ’s b2b Dutch breakout star .
The dancing and the bonding were non-stop. Ellie put it best: ‘There’s just something about Ibiza that brings everyone together in the best way. I didn’t stop dancing the entire time – to the point Sam Divine came out from behind the decks to hug me and tell me she’d noticed I hadn’t stopped dancing!”
Following the consumption of many White Claws, the crew headed back to the hotel on a party bus, with Ellie leading the singing. Once ready, they made their way to Chinois Ibiza for a night of Defected DJs, which only served to solidify the bonds made in the day. It was 7am and David had extended his stay. “I definitely met my people. I’ve genuinely made friends for life. I got on so well with one of them that I actually stayed an extra day in Ibiza after everyone else went home!”
Undoubtedly, this was one for the books. Find Your People really did succeed in forming friendships for life.
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