Who is doing the task?
Ken is an exchange student from Japan who arrived in Canada three weeks ago. From the outside, he might seem shy or reserved, but on the inside, he deeply values forming close, meaningful friendships. Back home, he had a best friend, Toby, whom he wanted to share this exchange experience with, but financial constraints meant that Toby couldnât come.
While Ken is excited about this new adventure, he feels a quiet sense of isolation. Everywhere he looks, people already seem to have their friend groups, and it makes him wonder:
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How do I even begin to make friends here?
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Where do I find people who want to build real friendships, not just small talk?
He isnât someone who enjoys large social settings like clubs or big group eventsâin those environments, he tends to stay quiet, unsure of how to fully participate. One-on-one conversations feel more natural to him, but approaching strangers is something he struggles with. He worries about being rejected, bothering someone, or creating an awkward situation for both of them.
One day, while sitting alone in Mac Hall, he catches himself thinking:
âMan, I wish someone would just come up to me and start talking.â
But no one does.
Thatâs when he sees a poster for Orbit, an app that promises to make meeting new people feel natural and easy. That night, he decides to give it a tryânot because heâs desperate, but because he genuinely wants to meet people who are open to forming real connections.
Where is the task being done?
Ken is now at a crossroads in his social experienceâhe wants to make friends but doesnât know how to bridge the gap. Orbit offers him a new way forward:
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Instead of waiting for someone to approach him, he can take control.
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Instead of fearing rejection, he can connect with people who have already expressed interest in meeting.
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Instead of guessing who might be open to conversation, he can see it clearly.
The process of browsing requests is Kenâs way of gently stepping out of his comfort zone, but in a way that feels safe, thoughtful, and low-pressure. He isnât scrolling through profiles like a social marketplace, or swiping through pictures like a dating appâheâs simply looking for someone who might understand him, someone he could vibe with.
What is the goal of the person doing the task?
Kenâs goal is simple but deeply personal:
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Find a meetup request that feels rightâa request that sparks curiosity and makes him think, âThis could be a great conversation.â
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Feel reassured that the person behind the request is someone heâd genuinely enjoy talking to.
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Minimize the risk of an uncomfortable interaction by making an informed decision.
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Take a small but meaningful step toward forming friendships in a way that feels natural.
When is the task being done and how long should it take?
Ken isnât in a rushâhe takes his time looking through the list of requests for lunch at Mac Hall. Heâs curious but also cautious, knowing that this is his first time putting himself out there like this.
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He scrolls through the requests, reading through topics and conversation starters.
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One request catches his eyeââHow to make the best of your university experienceââposted by a user named âslingshot69â.
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He clicks on it and reads more details.
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The way the request is written feels thoughtful and inviting.
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The conversation starter is engagingâit makes him want to answer.
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The personal details shared in the request give him a sense of who Mark is.
Ken doesnât rush into approving the request. Part of him is still hesitantâwhat if itâs awkward? What if it doesnât go well? But then he sees a small note from the app:
âEven if the other person approves, you can always cancel the request at any timeâno explanation needed.â
That reassurance makes all the difference. It gives him the push he needs to say:
âOkay, why not? Letâs see what happens.â
Why This Task Matters (optional)
For Ken, this isnât just about finding a lunch partnerâitâs about breaking through the invisible walls of loneliness that can come with being in a new country.
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Orbit makes the first step easier. Instead of overthinking and second-guessing, Ken can make a decision based on real information, not just assumptions.
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The process feels natural. He isnât swiping through people like a dating appâheâs simply looking for a conversation that feels like it could lead to something real.
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Ken is in control. He can take things at his own pace without feeling pressured into anything.
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Itâs more than just a meal. Itâs a small but significant step toward building the friendships he came here hoping to find.
By approving this request, Ken isnât just agreeing to lunchâheâs choosing to put himself out there, to embrace the uncertainty of meeting someone new, and to take a meaningful step toward finding connection in a place that once felt so unfamiliar.