Way back in 2018, I had an idea for an app that would help facilitate IRL interactions among friends. I’d created a web-based MVP, went through a local incubator program, partnered up, the whole thing. I’d bought into the promise of tech as a conduit for social change and prosperity. I was really eager and really wanted to do the whole VC song and dance to make things happen in a traditional Silicon Valley manner.
Oh, how things have changed since then. I come to you an older, slightly wiser, and somewhat jaded dreamer. The promise of things didn’t really bear out. The tech bros became just regular old bros. Meet the old boss, same as the new boss. So why am I motivated to try again? Well, I’ve been filled with incredible anxiety and dread and I wanted to pour myself into something creative and optimistic, and, because I would really use this thing.
The concept is simple, say I’m really feeling like going out for a burger with some pals on a Friday night. There are current (somewhat clunky) ways to do this. I can post on regular social media channels, or DM friends through various methods and wait for replies to trickle in. It’ll feel cumbersome, kinda uncomfortable, and slightly needy. And for all the trouble, more often than not, I’ll end up not even getting a burger…
It’d be nice if there were a place where this sort of interaction and activity was expected and encouraged. A place where all my close friends and family were. Maybe I could organize those people into groups if I wanted. Say “Bike buddies” or “Lunch Chums”. I could post the things I’m wanting to do as “Itches” and if anybody were interested and joined, that “Itch” would then become a “Hang”!
The great thing is that it only takes one person to join to make it happen. The “Itch” could be broadcast to my target people and the expectation is to join in if you can make it. There’s no “thumbs up” or “thumbs down”. No “hearts”, and especially no need share a reason for why you can’t do it. Just join if you can!
To me this feels less intrusive, but also more expansive. I can imagine coming to the app a little bored and seeing a half dozen “Itches” on my home screen and potentially having my night filled with good times. There might be itches like:
“Got an extra ticket to the game tonight, who’s in?”
“Anybody else craving falafel?”
“Coffee and walk around the park?”
I’d like to eradicate the empty phenomenon of “Hey! Let’s hang out sometime…” and create a culture of people who no longer get their social fix on their screens but actually go out and do things. Where cities are filled with bustling third spaces brimming with great vibes and conversation. Just think about the good that could do! Not just for people’s general well-being, but also for local economies!
I’ve spent the past few years really stewing about how to accomplish this and the last couple of months putting all those ingredients together. I think I’ve made something valuable, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed making it!
Let’s get together!