Dating app requires calling matches first
When it comes to dating, there's an app for that. In fact, there are plenty; however, a new app makes dating in the digital world a little less digital.
'Hotline' launched Monday in New York. Unlike some dating apps, it requires a phone call to start a conversation with matches.
A representative for the company tells 47ABC they have "aggressive expansion plans".
Some local residents we spoke to say they would be open to an app like Hotline.
"Dating in our generation, there hardly is calling. Everybody texts," says Salisbury University student Nathan Hendricks. "Having a real phone conversation gives you a lot more insight on a couple of words texted across the screen from a stranger."
Salisbury resident Trey Purnell says he doesn't use dating apps and would not be as open as Hendricks.
"Calling somebody that you don't really know? That's a little creepy," says Purnell.
It's sentiments like Hendricks' that appear to be part of the inspiration behind Hotline.
In an interview with CNNTech, app founder Sam Ballantyne said the idea for Hotline actually came after matching with a woman on Tinder last April.
"She wouldn't message me [again] until I called her," Ballantyne told CNNTech.
The app limits matches to three people at a time.
According to the official website, it's only available for Apple iOS users for now. Calls take place within the app, so real numbers are not actually exchanged. Only after the first call will people be able to message each other.
Dr. Kathy Seifert, CEO of Eastern Shore Psychological Services, says future dating apps fashioned after this kind of model may be a good idea.
Dr. Seifert tells 47ABC it could add authenticity to online dating.
"I think you can get a better idea of who another person is if they actually have to talk to you and whatever comes out of their mouth, you actually hear instead of them thinking through what they're going to say. Leave some things out, put some things in," she explains.
According to Dr. Seifert, people are becoming increasingly comfortable messaging instead of actually talking.
A 2015 report found U.S. smartphone users sent and received five times as many text messages compared with the number of phone calls each day.
Seifert admits while it can be convenient to text, communication is key when it comes to building relationships.
"Talking to each other is still very important," she says. "We don't want to get totally away from the idea that you actually talk to people."
Whether you're calling someone or messaging, officials urge precaution when actually meeting in person. A few tips include meeting in public places and telling a friend where you'll be before meeting.
