Orbit: A Mission to End University Loneliness
Orbit is not just an app; it’s an initiative with a powerful mission: to help every university student overcome and fight loneliness. We aim to end loneliness in universities, where there are vast opportunities to meet people with similar ambitions, hobbies, and backgrounds from all over the world. There’s so much to learn from them and to share with them. Our goal is to empower students to engage in uncomfortable experiences that enhance their university journey. Orbit serves as a tool for fostering the friendships students desire, by easing the fears associated with meeting new people.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Community
I’ve observed various initiatives and apps aiming to tackle similar issues, but few have succeeded. Though the path is challenging, there’s a way to achieve this, and we are determined to find it. As I have discussed previously, our main priority is the mission itself, not merely the app. The app is a bridge to achieve our mission, and we’re still figuring out how to best construct it.
Constructing a Feedback-Driven Product
We’ve noticed that many apps fail due to a lack of users or usefulness. To avoid this, we plan to build a community for Orbit, engage directly with our target audience, and understand their needs. We’re seeking feedback to iterate on and improve our product. It’s crucial to reach a point where people love Orbit, as growth naturally follows when users are happy with a product.
Importance of Genuine Connections
Meeting and getting to know new people, especially in university, is a luxury often taken for granted. I encourage everyone to watch the Orbit manifesto video, as it captures the importance of our mission and why our app is essential for making friends easier. I believe current solutions, like Bumble for Friends, don’t quite hit the mark. We’re on a mission to find a better way, and your feedback is crucial.
Security and Creating Comfortable Environments
Security is a top priority, as a single negative experience can damage Orbit’s reputation. By focusing specifically on university students and incorporating university authentication, we aim to create a safe environment. The idea is to do uncomfortable things in comfortable settings to reveal the best versions of ourselves and others.
Personal Journey and the Value of Orbit
My motivation for starting Orbit stems from my first-year experiences of shyness and the fear of approaching strangers. I often found myself sitting alone during lunch, hoping someone would talk to me, similar to many others. The app aims to bridge this gap, helping people hesitant to approach others for any reason. It’s not just for shy, quiet individuals but also for those like me who enjoy socializing but seek friends aligned with their vision and ambitions. Orbit facilitates these connections through shared activities, such as lunch, sports, gym, coffee, or walks.
Call for Collaboration and Feedback
We are constantly seeking thoughts and feedback from others, as my understanding of psychology is limited to self-study through books and podcasts. Your experience and insights are invaluable. If you have questions or feedback, please feel free to email me. This collaboration is essential to refining Orbit and realizing its mission.