Amy Wu, the creator of the AI-powered mental health app Manifest, is making a bold prediction about the future of technology. She believes that the next big thing will be startups addressing the loneliness epidemic seen in Gen Z.

Manifest may not be a unicorn yet – it’s still in its early stages, having recently secured $3.4 million in funding. However, Wu sees her app as part of a new wave of products aiming to tackle the rising levels of loneliness.

Wu, in her late twenties, straddles the line between millennials and Gen Z and understands the challenges faced by the younger generation. A survey by Cigna revealed that 3 out of 5 adults feel lonely at times, with the number rising to 73% among 18-22 year-olds. Manifest is the kind of app Wu wishes she had while studying at Stanford, dealing with a competitive environment and living on her own for the first time.

When you open the Manifest app, you’ll be greeted by a soothing orb on the screen. You can either voice your thoughts or type responses to prompts like “What’s on your mind?,” “What are you worried about?,” or “What would be useful for us to talk about?”. The app’s AI then transforms your words into positive affirmations that can be turned into personalized audio meditations.

In a society dominated by social media noise, using technology, especially AI, to combat loneliness may seem counterintuitive. However, Wu believes that since Gen Z is already immersed in their devices, wellness solutions should meet them where they are.

Manifest, which launched quietly this summer, has already seen users generate 18.7 million “manifestations” in the app. The AI within the app includes safeguards like directing users to a suicide hotline if self-harm is mentioned. Manifest doesn’t engage in certain sensitive topics.

While Manifest takes a cautious approach, other startups like chatbot company Nomi AI handle self-harm discussions differently. Nomi AI’s AI companions aim to de-escalate situations by talking users through their feelings rather than abruptly ending the conversation.

Wu emphasizes that these consumer apps, including Manifest, aren’t substitutes for professional medical help. However, young people are turning to such tools when traditional care isn’t accessible. If Wu’s prediction about unicorn startups addressing loneliness comes true, these companies, along with Manifest, will need to proceed with care.