A new female-founded dating app is set to shake up the online dating world with its innovative approach to tackling ghosting and holding people accountable. After, the brainchild of Katie Dissanayake, is launching in Austin, Texas on Thursday with a mission to revolutionize the way people connect in the digital dating realm.
The concept behind After is simple yet groundbreaking. Instead of allowing users to simply unmatch someone without explanation, the app requires individuals to share the reason behind their decision before they can continue swiping. This unique feature aims to eliminate the confusion and frustration that often comes with sudden disconnections in online dating interactions.
Katie Dissanayake, the mastermind behind After, drew inspiration from her decade-long experience in the dating app industry. Having worked at Hud, she gained valuable insights into trust, safety, and product development, which ultimately fueled her desire to create a platform that addresses the prevalent issue of dating app fatigue.
One of the standout features of After is its anti-ghosting mechanism, which not only holds users accountable but also provides closure in potentially ambiguous situations. When a match on After initiates a conversation but one party stops responding, the app prompts them to engage or the match will expire. Before regaining access to the app’s features, the individual must select a reason for letting the match lapse, fostering transparency and communication.
Users can choose from a range of predefined reasons to explain their decision to discontinue a conversation, such as distance constraints or mismatched vibes. After then generates a considerate message to send to the other person, emphasizing that the match’s end is not a reflection of their worth or identity.
Unlike traditional dating apps that inundate users with a surplus of matches, After focuses on quality over quantity by only highlighting matches with active interactions. If two individuals match but fail to initiate a conversation, the app encourages them to engage with each other. Should neither party respond, the match will be terminated, streamlining the user experience and prioritizing meaningful connections.
In addition to its unique approach to combating ghosting, After offers valuable dating guides to enhance users’ overall experience. For instance, if a user is struggling to garner matches, the app may suggest adjusting their profile or updating their images to increase visibility and appeal.
To further promote transparency, After features badges distinguishing between “visitor” and “local” users, ensuring matches are aware of each other’s residency status. Additionally, the app will soon introduce optional mental health check-ins for users to reflect on their emotions and mood, with reminders to take breaks if excessive app usage is detected.
After operates on a freemium model, allowing free users basic access to the app while offering paid subscribers additional perks such as boosts and super likes through the purchase of “petals,” the in-app currency. Paid subscribers receive 500 petals per month and full access to unlimited chats and likes for a subscription fee of $19.99 monthly.
Looking ahead, After plans to expand its reach beyond Austin by launching across Texas before venturing into other states. Dissanayake emphasizes the importance of cultivating a strong community base before expanding further, highlighting the significance of a robust user network for a successful app experience.
With its focus on accountability, communication, and fostering genuine connections, After is poised to make a significant impact in the online dating landscape. Available on both iOS and Android platforms, the app offers a refreshing alternative to conventional dating apps, prioritizing quality interactions and user satisfaction.
