A new dating app called After is set to launch in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, aiming to revolutionize the dating landscape by tackling the pervasive issue of ghosting. Founded by Katie Dissanayake, After is designed to hold users accountable for their interactions, encouraging open communication and fostering a more respectful online dating environment.
What distinguishes After from existing dating apps is its innovative requirement for users to explain why they are unmatched with someone before continuing to swipe. This feature aims to eliminate abrupt disconnections and the confusion often associated with modern dating. Dissanayake, who brings a decade of experience from the dating app industry and her previous role at Hud, hopes After will combat the fatigue many users feel when navigating typical dating platforms.
“Our standout feature is anti-ghosting, which I think holds people accountable,” Dissanayake shared. “On the flip side, it gives people closure.” If two users match and one stops responding, After nudges them to reply. If there’s still no response, the match will expire, prompting the user to select a reason for their disengagement.
To enhance the user experience, After generates a considerate message to the unmatched person, clarifying that the reason given does not reflect their worth. Additionally, if neither party initiates a conversation after matching, the app will encourage them to reach out before automatically ending the match. This approach aims to eliminate the clutter of unresponsive matches and prioritize genuine connections.
After also offers helpful dating guides, providing tailored suggestions for users struggling to make meaningful connections. For instance, the app might recommend adjustments to a user’s profile or images to enhance their chances of finding a match.
In a push for transparency, After includes “visitor” and “local” badges, allowing users to see whether a match is a resident of Austin or just visiting. Future updates will feature optional mental health check-ins, encouraging users to reflect on their feelings and even suggesting breaks if the app detects excessive usage.
Operating on a freemium model, After allows users to access basic features for free while offering “petals,” an in-app currency, to purchase additional perks like boosts and super likes. Paid subscribers can enjoy full access for $19.99 per month, including 500 petals and unlimited chats and likes.
Looking ahead, After plans to expand throughout Texas before venturing into other states. Dissanayake expressed a desire to cultivate a strong community in Austin first, stating, “Nothing is worse than opening an app up and then having just one user in each state; it just doesn’t work for anybody.”
After is now available for download on both iOS and Android, poised to redefine online dating for those seeking genuine connections while mitigating the all-too-common experience of ghosting. With its fresh approach and commitment to user accountability, After is an app that could reshape how we navigate the complexities of modern relationships.
