ST. PETERSBURG, Fla — Dating? Who can think about dating right now?
While the country is battling the coronavirus pandemic, it can be a bit tough to meet new people while having to practice social distancing.
But, with the launch of a new dating app called "Quarantine Together," people have another option when it comes to finding a romantic connection.
"We saw really what was bound to happen to us here in the states and thought, 'Okay, well, what's going to change what our behaviors are going to change?'" said Founder of Quarantine Together Daniel Ahmadizadeh. "What's that going to mean for us?"
Quarantine Together was developed by Daniel Ahmadizadeh and Christopher Smeder. Ahmadizadeh bought the domain on March 8, built the first version and launch it a few hours later.
You're probably wondering what makes this app different.
Every day at 6 p.m., users will be asked if they washed their hands or if they stayed indoors. If they respond yes, the app will then direct them to a text chat with their match. They have 15 minutes to chat and then they will have the option to switch over to a video chat.
"We decided to go with Quarantine Together, and the reason being that romance and dating, that's the hook. But, what they're really having solved through our app is loneliness," said Ahmadizadeh. "And, it's all these negative things. And we thought, 'okay, well, how can we turn that into a positive?'"
The app is anonymous. So the user will not get any more information about their match besides their name.
"You're having an authentic human conversation with someone via text message. And that anonymity is something that our users have been really happy with," Ahmadizadeh said.
"If it turns into something great but it's not designed to be 'oh man I just got rejected.' We don't want that. We have enough negativity happening around us. Let's just make it a place where it's like yo, doesn't matter if you're this if you're that.15 minutes, see what you're all about," said Ahmadizadeh.
He also said, "if there is ever a time for creating things that make people feel less lonely, and now's the time."
If you're looking to sign up, visit QuarantineTogether.com. They are at max capacity, but you can join the waitlist to get early access.
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issues statewide stay-at-home order. What does it mean?
- Model: Florida's coronavirus peak could come in early May, with hundreds of deaths daily
- Floridians onboard coronavirus-stricken cruise ship will be accepted in the state: governor
- Stimulus check calculator: See how much you'll likely be getting
- Hotlines, websites offer the latest on COVID-19
- Stay-at-home vs. shelter-in-place: Here's what they mean
- Texas family dances COVID-19 troubles away in viral 'quarantine challenge' video
FREE 10NEWS APP:
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter