Facebook used to be a fun and social way to keep up with friends, share funny pictures and meet a few new people in comment threads. More recently, it’s become a platform for gathering likes, mining data, and broadcasting political opinions. Most social networks are the same – places to share our thoughts and gather followers but not actually build meaningful relationships. One app has set out to change that.
Shapr is a free networking app that works similar to Tinder but with a strictly professional focus like LinkedIn. Similar to a dating app you swipe to connect, but the goal is to make professional and personal connections instead of romantic ones. Shapr gets you offline, sharing an interesting conversation, broadening your perspective and igniting your creative juices.
Here’s how it works – you can set up a free profile in less than two minutes that includes a picture, your job title, and the reason you hope to network, such as finding new friends in your area or launching a startup. From there, you’ll add up to ten interests based on who you want meet and what you want to talk about. For example, you could add #comicbooks if you want to do a deep dive into the Marvel universe over coffee or #photography if you’re looking for new gigs and collaborations.
Shapr differs from social media sites because the goal is to introduce the people you don’t know yet but should. The app’s algorithm will suggest the best possible connections for you and you just swipe right on the people you want to meet. When the interest to connect is mutual, you can message your match and make a plan to meet up or Skype between meetings.
Shapr is one of the only social apps getting you face to face with your connections with no romantic end goal in mind. It’s like the joy of a comic con – meeting people with the same interests – all from your phone.
Trust us – it’s worth trying out. Download the app here to make your first connection.
