After: A New Dating App Tackling Ghosting in Austin, Texas

After is a new female-founded dating app that is launching in Austin, Texas on Thursday. The app's main mission is to address the issue of ghosting and hold users accountable for their actions on dating apps. What makes After different from other dating apps is its anti-ghosting feature that requires users to explain why they have unmatched someone before they are allowed to continue swiping.

What Makes After Different?

After is designed to combat the frustration and confusion that can come with abrupt disconnections on dating apps. The app's anti-ghosting feature aims to create a more transparent and respectful dating experience.

• Users must provide a reason for unmatching someone, creating accountability and reducing confusion.
• The app encourages communication by nudging users to respond to messages or face a match expiration.
• If neither party initiates a conversation, the match ends, fostering a more focused approach to dating.

The Brainchild of a Dating App Veteran

After was founded by Katie Dissanayake, a veteran of the dating app industry. Dissanayake came up with the idea for the app after spending a decade working in the industry, including her time at Hud, where she gained experience in trust and safety, product development, and tech.

Addressing Dating App Fatigue

Dissanayake's goal with After is to address the challenges of dating app fatigue and offer a fresh approach to dating. After aims to be different from the major dating apps in the market, providing a more transparent, accountable, and supportive experience for users.

Dating Guides and Transparency

• After includes dating guides to help users navigate the dating app experience, such as suggesting profile improvements for better matches.
• The app also offers transparency features, such as "visitor" and "local" badges to inform users about a match's location and purpose.

Mental Health and Usage Moderation

After prioritizes mental health by introducing optional mental health check-ins. Users can reflect on their mood and feelings, contributing to a more mindful and self-aware dating experience. The app also promotes healthy usage by suggesting breaks when it detects excessive engagement.

After's Freemium Model

After operates on a freemium model, offering basic access to the app for free users. The app features "petals," its in-app currency, which allows users to purchase extra features like boosts and super likes. Free users can earn petals by completing tasks like filling out their profiles, while paid subscribers enjoy unlimited chats and likes for a monthly fee.

Expansion Beyond Austin

After plans to expand beyond Austin, Texas, aiming to launch in other parts of Texas before venturing into different states. This phased approach prioritizes building a strong community in each location before scaling nationwide.

• The app's focus on community building reflects a desire to foster meaningful connections and a positive dating environment.
• After is available on both iOS and Android, making it accessible to a broad range of users.

Conclusion: A Dating App for Change

After offers a fresh perspective on the dating app landscape. By addressing the issues of ghosting and dating app fatigue, it aims to create a more positive and transparent experience for users. With its commitment to accountability, user-friendly features, and community building, After is poised to make a significant impact on the future of dating apps.