Entertainment

Perfect Strangers

Essential Social Hookup Apps

A stranger is only a friend you haven’t met yet. Although sometimes, a stranger is also a “friend” you haven’t met yet. What we’re trying to say is: maybe consider downloading one of these apps and socially hooking up with someone completely random. Maybe.

CLOSE CALL

All Your Options... in Walking Distance

In Theory: A GPS-powered app that hooks you up with people in close proximity. You have a profile picture. They have a profile picture. If you like each other’s pictures, you’ll be notified. Simple.
In Practice: It works. Well, not if you’re in a desert.

MOVING IMAGES

If Vine Ran Personal Ads

In Theory: Profile videos instead of profile pictures. The only requirements: keep it short and keep it PG-13. That’s... probably for the best.
In Practice: The videos give people a chance to show their personality. For better or for worse.

CHIC FLIK

Like a Videoconference Call. But Sexy.

In Theory: You log on. A stranger logs on. And you’re both randomly connected for a 90-second video chat. It’s not awkward at all.
In Practice: Yes, it’s kind of similar to Chatroulette. So, no, it kind of doesn’t really work.

RING LEADER

And in Case You Need a Fake Number...

In Theory: Let’s say you met someone. And you like them... but not quite enough to give them your real number. That’s where this app comes in: it creates temporary digits that redirect to your actual phone.
In Practice: Sure, it works. Assuming you’re okay with lying.

INDECENT PROPOSAL

When All Else Fails, There’s Bribery

In Theory: You offer up rewards—a dinner, a cup of coffee, two luxury box tickets to Game 6 of the World Series—and if someone is intrigued, they’ll accept.
In Practice: You’re beginning a relationship predicated on bribes. What could possibly go wrong...