Scared of Solo Dates? Discover the App That’s Changing the Game!

One prevalent challenge for users of dating apps is ensuring their safety. After all, one of the earliest lessons many of us receive from our parents is to avoid interacting with strangers. Yet, in today’s digital age, we find ourselves doing just that—meeting strangers through the internet.

As societal norms and dating practices evolve, the usage of dating apps has become a regular activity for many individuals. Fortunately, there are people actively working on making these platforms safer for everyone involved.

Recently, a team of students from Ohio State University developed an innovative app called DuoDate, which focuses on facilitating double or group dates. This unique feature allows users to have the company of a friend, which can make the meeting safer than going alone.

“The development process took about 13 months,” said Nick Saris, CEO and co-founder of DuoDate.

“Recognizing the need for enhanced safety in the dating scene, we decided to tackle that issue head-on,” added Saris, who is also a junior studying finance at Ohio State. “We invested hundreds of hours into crafting this app.”

Introducing DuoDate: A New Twist on Online Dating

Saris mentioned that the idea for DuoDate came from a personal anecdote involving a friend who was new to online dating.

“She always took her best friend along on dates to feel safer,” he explained.

According to its website, DuoDate aims to “make online dating secure, enjoyable, and truly social.”

“Our goal is for meeting new people to be an exciting and relaxed experience, not one filled with anxiety,” the company states. “That’s why we’ve created a platform where friends can team up for double dates, adding a layer of safety, trust, and mutual connections. By promoting a community-focused dating environment, we’re transforming the way people meet—turning first dates into more of a fun outing with friends. Whether you’re in search of romance, new friendships, or simply a good time, DuoDate facilitates genuine and confident connections.”

In my own experiences with dating apps, I often suggested double dates to friends, knowing it would make us feel more secure if we met our dates together. Alternatively, we would share our live locations and ensure to meet only in public spaces. However, even these precautions can’t completely guarantee safety when meeting strangers from an app.

Hopefully, an app designed for group dating like DuoDate will deter unsavory characters, or at least reduce the number of uncomfortable encounters.