Conversation with Yohay from TouchBase

In a world that is more digitally connected than ever, rates of loneliness are paradoxically soaring.

We scroll through hundreds of "friends" online yet often feel unseen in our daily lives. This is the central tension that Yohay Elam, founder of TouchBase, is developing a solution for.

Yohay Elam is not just a tech founder; he is a student of human behavior. As the host of the Reach Out series, he investigates the intersection of human connection, technology, and mental well-being. His work is driven by a powerful, research-backed belief: we consistently underestimate how good it makes someone feel when we reach out to them.

This principle is the foundation of his app, TouchBase.

TouchBase is an app that helps people connect with loved ones through reminders and conversation starters.

The dialogue between Yohay and Melvin wasn't just about their respective apps; it was a masterclass in the psychology of social interaction. Here are the highlights of their discussion.

People show up to meet new people, only to spend their time on their phones or huddled in circles with colleagues they already know. This creates a "wall" that prevents genuine connection. The fear of awkwardness or rejection often paralyzes even those who want to connect. People need an "excuse" to break into a conversation without feeling like they are intruding.

This is where the idea of an external tool becomes invaluable. Whether it's a game like JamSocial’s Jam Bingo or a simple prompt, having a reason to approach someone lowers the stakes.

TouchBase gives people a reminder to reach out to loved ones who you are already connected with. It goes from “I should reach out” to “actually reaching out”.

One of the biggest mistakes people make at networking events is trying to be the person they think others want them to be. This "performance" mode prevents real connection.

People connect with people, not personas. Sharing something "half-personal," like a hobby or a genuine struggle, makes you relatable. It signals to others that it is safe for them to be authentic, too.

For someone who rarely leaves the house, talking to one person at an event is a monumental success. For a seasoned networker, success might be setting up a business meeting.

Connection goals are personal. We must measure our progress against our own starting point, not against the most extroverted person in the room. The goal is progress, not perfection.

The same phones that isolate us (through doom-scrolling and social comparison) can also be the tools that bring us together. The future of social technology lies in being an "additive" to real life.

As AI and digital spaces become more pervasive, the desire for real, three-dimensional human interaction will only grow. Technology’s best role is to facilitate that in-person magic, not replace it.

Yohay and Melvin agreed on a hopeful outlook for the future. As we become more saturated with AI-generated content and digital interactions, people will crave authenticity more than ever. We will seek out "third spaces" and tools that help us feel seen, heard, and understood.

The takeaway is simple but powerful: Connection doesn't happen by accident. It requires intention. Whether it’s using an app to remind you to call a friend, playing a game to break the ice at a conference, or simply deciding to be the person who talks to someone standing alone, we all have the power to build a more connected world.

TouchBase is helping people all around the world stay in touch with loved ones, empowering people to reach out, maintain and deepen existing connections.