a few interesting ideas in here, but also a few weird ideas and ideas i don’t think are going to work at all. (also i’m not sure it’s actually possible to build a “good” dating app.)
What sets the app apart from the rest of the dating app scene is that After requires users to share why they have unmatched a person before they are allowed to keep swiping. The idea behind the feature is to get rid of abrupt disconnections and confusion.
If two people match on After and start a conversation, but one person stops replying, they will be nudged to respond. If the person still doesn’t message the other user, the match expires. Before they can use the app’s features again, they need to choose a reason why they let the match expire.
Users can choose from a list of reasons to explain why they decided to stop responding. For instance, they can say distance was an issue or that the vibes didn’t match. After will then create a kind message and send it to the other person, and remind them that this isn’t a representation of who they are or their worth.
After will soon include opt-in mental health check-ins where you can reflect on your mood and feelings. And if the app thinks you have been using it too much, it will suggest that you take a break.
You know those surveys that ask if you Agree, Strongly Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree? That kind of crap? Yeah, those don’t work. They’re idiotic, because your average person doesn’t really know which accurately reflects them and they gravitate towards what’s easier for them personally to respond with.
This will have a similar effect. Lots of people won’t give the accurate reason. They’ll give a comfortable reason.
I like that they are trying something new though. Critique certainly doesn’t mean don’t try it or don’t play with it.