[gentryb]

If anyone has suggestions that work in the current COVID world - it would help. Attending regular gatherings just isn't a thing anymore that I'm seeing. Meeting new people when many generally try to stay away from others outside of their "group" has made this incredibly difficult for me lately.

[xanthine]

Most MUDs/MUCKs that I connect to, have that kind of users who connect to simply hang around and chat, instead of roleplaying seriously, like most other players do. I've lately found myself resorting to these kind of gatherings (admittedly HN-like/geeky) for most of my socialization.

For users not interested in MUDs, I'd suggest looking at IRC channels which follow your interests.