Solo-maxxing: the growing trend of staying single | The Conversation | Focus on Africa

Have you heard of solo-maxxing, or "by yourself maxxing"? It's a social media trend in which young people are embracing single life by opting out of dating and choosing to spend more time on their own. Instead, they're prioritising personal wealth, career growth and emotional independence. So, what's driving this trend? Is it a new kind of freedom, or are young people giving up on dating altogether? BBC Focus on Africa podcast host, Nkechi Ogbonna, spoke to Kenyan content creator Chantelle Petit and British Somali podcaster Ahmendur Hirad about their solo-maxxing journeys, the motivations behind their choices, and the challenges they've faced along the way. 00:00-00:35 Coming Up 00:35-02:00 Meeting Chantelle and Dino 02:00-03:55 Why did Chantelle start solo-maxxing? 03:55-05:15 Dealing with societal expectations 05:15-06.40 What are the benefits of solo-maxxing? 06:40-07:55 Is solo-maxxing selfish? 07:55-09:40 Is this trend here to stay? 09:40-10:30 Dino's journey with solo-maxxing 10:30-14:20 What effect does it have on our mental wellbeing? 14:20-16:50 The challenges of solo-maxxing 16:50-18:40 How has social media affected relationships 18:40-20:00 Is it a western trend? 20:00-23:00 What Chantelle and Dino have learnt about themselves 23:00-23:42 Solo-maxxing and being a mother Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Wanjiru Jotham Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/