He said it was developed with only dating in mind
Happn is the latest addition to the app-based dating scene. After securing $US8 million (?5.2 million) of funding, it now boasts close to 2 million downloads and 700,000 active monthly users, founder DidierRappaport told Business Insider UK. Around a third of those are in London.
Some have vilified the French app for being a stalker’s dream. After all, Happn helps you track down strangers whom you’ve walked past or queued for a coffee behind at Pret. “This happn app is taking stalking to the next level,”wrote Danny Skinner on Twitter.
Rather than liking random people to match with in your general location (like Tinder), Happn uses GPS to connect users who cross paths within a 250 metre radius
So, whoever you encounter (knowingly or not) and like the look of, you can see if they’re on Happn and tap the app’s “heart” symbol to show your interest. If they heart you back then the dating begins.
Happn works in a timeline system, so whoever you encounter most recently appears highest on your feed. There’s no swiping, and if you want to push things forward and grab someone’s attention – rather than wait for them to “heart” you – you can send them a “charm.” There’s a small fee involved for men who want to send out charms.
“Happn uses hyper-location and works in real time,” he says. “It’s not like Tinder – sure, the swipe is clever, good marketing, but Happn has more to it. It’s instant and simple, but allows people to express themselves and build a more substantial profile.”
