The thunderdome of online dating has a new app – one that only lets you chat via voice notes.
Let’s get one thing clear immediately: I absolutely loathe dating apps. I dabbled in a couple of them a few years ago, and each time I clicked one open, I’d eventually close it with a dissatisfied sigh. Hurray for low self-esteem, right?
For others, however, they’ve been the key to some sort of happiness, whether it be just for one night (maybe even a few) or actually finding a life partner. On that note, there’s a new addition to the roster. Introducing String, which wants users to ‘date with your voice’.
The landscape of meeting people has changed; like it or lump it, apps are a simple way to chat to someone new. Also, there’s the small matter of the current pandemic, so not everyone is quite ready to go out and socialise.
This sparked the idea of String, conceived by two graduates who looked to create a new app for dating in 2020. Voice notes are also becoming increasingly popular between pals, families and spouses, so why shouldn’t it work between two people getting to know each other?
In theory, it’ll feel like you’re really talking to each other without the urgency of a phone call or FaceTime. You don’t need to worry about how your typing style comes across, whether it’s drastically dry or egregiously laced with emojis.
There’s also the flip side. Not everyone is comfortable speaking over the phone; the immense pressure of bottling wit, earnestness or just charm into a single voice message is immense. Then there’s the recording; if you’re out with your friends, you can’t just subtly reply to a message, especially if you’re in a loud place.
For the confident talkers, String is bound to be a success. For the socially anxious, consider it a hurdle. Wherever you stand, you can download it here.
