The Key to Finding Local Friends on Yubo: Introducing “Near You”

Have you ever wanted to turn your online friends into in-person friends? Online friends are awesome, but with the whole world at your fingertips, it’s sometimes nice to scale back and keep it local. That’s why our team at Yubo has introduced a new feature: Near You. You might have noticed the new “Near you” tab inside the app – it’s your getaway to transforming online friendships into offline ones! It’s available as a part of our new Infinity Pack, granting you access to “Near you” as well as other cool functions inside the app – more on that later. We’ve also added a new section to the Friends tab, showing friend requests from nearby users separately from the rest. This section is free to use, no subscription is required.

Here at Yubo, we’ve already heard the first success stories from users exploring “Near you”. Finding new friends whilst traveling is becoming a popular way to use the feature, ensuring you have company for your evenings even on solo trips. It’s also great for embracing spontaneity – ask a local to join you for that open mic comedy night you've been wanting to see whenever all your other friends are busy!

Is “Near you” for you?

If you've never tried to before, meeting online friends in real life can be a little daunting. Most people who have some experience with transitioning their digital friendships into IRL ones have some interesting reasons to do so. For example, it gives them a chance to get to know the person before hanging out one-on-one. Also, breaking the digital barrier and getting to know their new friend's real self alongside their online self can strengthen the bond they develop! If you're still unsure about meeting online friends IRL, think about these reasons to try out an online-to-offline relationship.

• Discover cool new spots and local events. Meeting people who live locally can be a great source of personalized recommendations! It's challenging to keep up with new local venues, exhibitions, and more, so it could be awesome to enlist some help. Let locals show you the hidden gems they’ve discovered in the area. Meet up to enjoy some entertainment, try that book club you’ve heard so much about, or see the latest movie at the cinema.
  
• Feel safe and confident. If you happen to be a little awkward around new people, meeting new friends online first can help you to get to know them better before meeting up IRL. Breaking the ice can be a little easier online, and when you're ready for your one-on-one, they'll no longer be a stranger. You can discuss expectations, set boundaries, and assess if you’re feeling comfortable enough to meet in person. This approach can help with any feelings of nervousness or anxiety, and will help you find common interests and determine if you vibe before meeting face-to-face.
  
• Friends next door. Going away for college, moving to a new neighbourhood, or experimenting with living in a different city or country can make it hard to see your old friends in real life. Whilst it’s great to keep in touch even if you cannot see each other very often, sometimes you need some new local connections to hang out, chat, grab a coffee, or see a film. Considering how fast-paced modern life is, the usefulness of having some friends no more than thirty minutes away from you truly cannot be overstated.

The Internet is brimming with stories when it comes to meeting your online friends IRL! If you still feel like you need some inspiration or a little nudge, check out this great piece exploring how it feels to connect with your internet friends offline.

Think safety first

Meeting new people you’ve connected with online can be cool and exciting! However, it is crucial to be aware of potential risks and make your safety a priority. You deserve to feel at ease when meeting someone new. Consider the following checklist to ensure a safe and comfortable experience when you’re meeting someone new face-to-face for the first time.

• Jump in a live or try voice messaging first. While texting might be your go-to communication method, it’s useful to set up a video call or exchange voice notes with a person you’re planning to meet IRL. This helps you to get a better sense of their personality and make sure they look and sound right.
  
• Choose a public place. Meet your new friend somewhere public, like a café, museum, or a busy well-lit park. Always remember to make separate travel arrangements.
  
• Tell someone about your plans. Inform a trusted person about where you’ll be meeting your new friend. You can also share your location with a friend or family member, so that they can check on you. Keep your phone charged and bring a charger or a power bank, just in case.
  
• Set boundaries. Be vocal about your expectations and boundaries, whether it’s about your physical space or conversation topics.
  
• Avoid alcohol. Stay sober when meeting someone new, as alcohol can make you vulnerable and impair your judgement.
  
• Trust your gut feeling. If something feels off about the person you’re meeting, trust your judgement. Don’t hesitate to leave or ask for help. Always verify that the person you’re meeting matches their online photos.

When you’ve got your safety figured out, you can check out this article with some more lighthearted tips on how to prepare for meeting your online friend, such as predicting their height or learning how to pronounce their name correctly beforehand!

Infinite IRL friends with Infinity Pack

Now that you know whether meeting your online friends offline is for you and you’re equipped with some basic safety tools, it’s time to reach out and explore. You can access the “Near you” feature by subscribing to the Infinity Pack. This pack doesn’t just give you access to “Near you” – it also lets you see who viewed your profile and who swiped right on you. You’ll get one free Boost, Turbo, and Spotlight power every week, as well as Reverse Swipes that allow you to go back when you accidentally swipe left. With unlimited swipes included in the pack, you can go through as many profiles as you like. Plus, no ads! The Infinity Pack was designed by Yubo to offer you the most value and fast-track your friend-making journey, ensuring you connect instantly and without limits. To find out more about various powers you can purchase on Yubo, check out the guide written by our team!

Online or offline, we’re excited about the connections you will make on Yubo. So decide if this is for you, remember to stay safe and get ready to meet some people near you!