DateThing

Abstract

With the increase in popularity of online dating platforms, the Covid-19 pandemic has also intensified the need for social interaction by making it extremely difficult to do so. Society has witnessed the change in dating patterns and the move towards online dating apps in the last decade, even more so in the past year. However, my research findings have also indicated several negative connotations formed towards certain dating apps due to society’s constant warnings of meeting strangers. The time consuming and repetitive cycle of ‘talking and ghosting’ is also a significant factor that draws users away from online dating in general. Hence, to retain the large pool of users, dating apps must provide a safe space for meaningful connections while reducing time wasted on the app. DateThing is an Android Mobile Application that starts by registering users, together with their purpose on the app, to ensure that subsequent filters can match them to a pool of like-minded individuals. In addition, DateThing aims to present users with a comfortable communication medium to minimise any forms of sexual harassment. This is done by banning pre-determined inappropriate keywords from the chat function. Besides the main functions, DateThing also differentiates itself from other dating apps by providing a list of top date ideas in Singapore, as a bonus to scoring a date. In conclusion, DateThing strives to connect more compatible users while presenting itself as a user-friendly medium to meet new people.