Users’ real names are revealed only after they strike up a conversation with someone and communicate a certain amount through the in-app messaging interface. These are basically unlockable milestones in your road to friendship with someone new.
“We made it purely interest-based, so it strips away your bias and allows you to form genuine connections with people over things you are both passionate about.” Lee said he really wanted Pop to become a judgment-free zone to meet diverse and interesting people. “Especially people who you maybe wouldn’t have met in person due to different backgrounds,” he said. “People really get the chance to branch out to create their own community.”
And of course, as the pandemic persists and schools begin remote or hybrid learning, the app is a great tool for new students looking to do just that.
“I really, really believe in the future of this app” said Vrishank Jannu, a recent computational engineering transfer student from Texas A&M. “One of the biggest things I value in a university or college is finding that place where I can interact with a lot of people, meet new people, build long-lasting connections. Given the pandemic and given that UT is a school of 50,000 students, I was really worried about that coming into UT.”
Jannu said that once he discovered Pop, it completely transformed his experience and gave him a much-needed confidence boost.
“I’ve actually been able to make friends with people who are not only in my own department or in my own engineering school but people who are in majors ranging from government to public health. These people are super chill, and I’d be totally comfortable hanging out with them in person once the pandemic is over!” He said he never expected this to happen and dubbed Pop a lifesaver for coming into UT.
Today, the app has over 1,000 UT users and is growing. Lee was blown away by all the support he and his team have received through their time at the university. “We are grateful for the Blackstone LaunchPad community, Sputnik ATX, University Housing and Dining department, to name a few,” he said. These groups have helped provide funding for, offered mentorship and helped promote the app.
What started off as a team of mainly UT students whom Lee knew from various entrepreneurship organizations on campus has grown into a national team consisting of a diverse group of university students, graduates and even some full-time employees.
When asked about how the pandemic has changed Pop Social, Lee responded, “It’s definitely been difficult — everything’s virtual nowadays, but on the bright side, our efficiency has actually increased since there’s no more commute time and being remote we are now able to leverage talent from other states.”
As for their next steps, Pop Social is looking to expand the app to more universities across the U.S. And, of course, the team is also constantly tweaking and improving features.
“Hey, perfect timing,” Lee said chuckling. “But we’re actually going to be coming out with a new release very soon with additional customization of your profile and interests. It’s super exciting, and we can’t wait to hear even more feedback from the community.”
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UT Student Startup Pops College Social Bubbles - UT News - UT News | The University of Texas at Austin
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