Swipe? Nah – maybe? Nah. Swipe? Maybe yes? Seems friendly enough, but what if they’re not? Is that what I want? How could I possibly know?

It’s unclear when dating apps started feeling like trying to keep a job, but it’s unanimous – they just do. Every week, more articles about dating-app burnout pop up on the Internet. It is reported that younger generations feel the most tired of endless swiping, with 80% of millennials and 79% of Gen Z admitting to feelings of fatigue associated with dating online.

Using dating apps often feels impersonal, and creating your own profile has long turned into a weird marketing exercise with hours spent on selecting pictures and honing in your bio. It’s interesting, too, how dating apps, designed to connect us, can actually make people feel lonelier. The more profiles you swipe, the more people blur into a faceless mass of “maybes” or “not-quites.” So why are dating apps so popular and so frustrating at the same time? We found three main reasons for this.

A lack of real connection 
With countless potential match options on dating apps, engaging in numerous identical conversations at the same time soon becomes tedious. After all, there's a limit to how many times you can ask someone their favorite color! Given the chances that the conversation will fizzle out, you're inclined to invest minimal energy in initial chats. Then, you find yourself trapped in a cycle: matching, having lifeless conversations, and ultimately never hearing from them again… only to match the next person, with little-to-no hope of a better outcome.

Endless swiping 
Have you seen so many profiles that everyone starts blending together like one giant TikTok algorithm of red flags and awkward mirror selfies? Relatable? Endless swiping can become demoralizing, and studies even show that the use of dating apps is often linked to increased anxiety, lower self-esteem, and frustration. People are left feeling like they’re auditioning for a part they never get, endlessly comparing themselves and their matches until they don’t even know who they are anymore.

Rigidity of expectations 
Dating apps often pressure you to know and disclose what you're looking for immediately. It goes even deeper than just defining if you’re looking for a long-term relationship or something more casual. The reason to go on a dating app is to try to find someone to date. However, most lasting relationships are found organically, when you aren't trying at all. Arguably, putting emphasis on dating from the get-go creates a rigidity and kills the element of surprise that is so fundamental to building social relationships. Here at Yubo, we try to bring serendipity and surprise back into online social interactions, allowing our users to forego labels and expectations when connecting with someone new.

There is something special about meeting someone new. You start talking with them – let’s say at a friend’s party, or in a gaming Discord channel – and you get to connect freely, without any pressure or expectations. Possibilities are truly endless: you can go on to become close friends after a while, or start meeting up every Saturday for a game of Among Us, or just never talk to them again.

Real connection takes time and often starts with the simplest forms of companionship. Think back to being a kid – when you went up to your new bestie in the playground, did you think about what they could do for you? Did you judge them on their jacket or wonder if you’d be friends five years down the line? No! They were there and you were here, and you wanted someone to chill with. From those simple beginnings, you made a connection that could last for the rest of your lives. Or not – and that was okay too. Here at Yubo, we want to recreate that magical serendipity that was a large part of our lives back when we were kids. So, how do we do it?

Multiple connection points 
While it’s possible to make friends whilst swiping on Yubo, it’s not the only way to meet new people on the app. The Live tab is one such place, where you can browse people having video and voice conversations in real life, or alternatively start your own and wait for other people to join! This allows for deeper connections like seeing someone’s face, body language and mannerisms, or hearing their voice, which can make you click a lot faster than matching and chatting via text messages. You can also find friends through our Fast Add feature, which forgoes swiping and sends out 100, 200 or 500 friend requests to random people on the app. Without the selection process, you can start building connections with people you wouldn’t normally swipe right on, allowing you to be surprised by the unexpected. You can explore without judging or evaluating, and it gives you a chance to relax, knowing you’re not being judged or assessed either.

No expectations 
Now that finding "the one" is off the table, there are quite a lot of options opening up before you. Talking and exploring in a relaxed setting is conducive to making connections you didn’t even know you needed. Going with the flow and letting the conversation shape your expectations, rather than the other way around, may be surprising, in a good way. Here at Yubo, we believe in online spaces that give us the possibility to play without the constant fear of being judged, allowing people to meet in a context where expectations are lower, but the potential for meaningful connection is higher. Social discovery apps let you hang out without the pressure of the never-ending series of first dates.

Here at Yubo, we prize one thing above all else – friendship. Maybe it’s time we all started connecting without the pressure to find “the one.” Maybe they’re not the one, but they could just be the best thing that happened to your weekend. Friendship apps encourage connections that bring joy, depth, and authenticity without the pressure of romance. And in a world that’s become so obsessed with finding “someone,” maybe the real victory lies in finding people who simply make life richer and more exciting.

Let go of your expectations to find unexpected connections on Yubo

Modern economies rely on technology to drive innovation and shape the future. With the tech industry always at the forefront of critical problem-solving, it is surprising that the lack of women in tech remains an issue. According to the Women in Tech Survey 2023, women make up only 26% of people who work in IT. The gender balance in the industry has certainly seen some improvement since 2019, when women made up only 19% of tech employees, but it is clear there is still a long way to go.

What prevents women from finding roles in tech?

There are multiple obstacles for women looking for their next role in the tech world. Some common grievances are the biases women face in male-dominated fields, a toxic “bro culture” that sometimes plagues the tech industry, the lack of inspirational role models and mentors, as well as a gender pay gap.

First of all, there are still some lingering biases when it comes to tech, such as it traditionally being a male-dominated field. It begins as early as childhood when boys are encouraged to pursue sciences and maths, while girls can be pushed into other fields, often humanities. Studies find that there are few gender differences when it comes to studying maths at school, so why is there a gender gap when it comes to studying sciences later in life? Arguably, this problem, at least partially, boils down to the need to conform – as children grow up, they become more aware of the stereotypes associated with femininity and masculinity, and learn to lean into them more.

The importance of role models and mentors in any given industry cannot be overstated. Finding a person in your field who you can look up to can inspire and assure you that your own path is possible. However, with only 26% of women working in tech fields, it can be challenging to find a female role model. It also means there is less advocacy and support for young women in tech by older female experts.

The pay gap is another obstacle for women trying to make a career in tech. Pay discrepancy is a universal problem for most industries, and the STEM field is, unfortunately, one of them. Researchers find that women in tech earn up to 28% less than their male colleagues, and only 8% of tech businesses were found not to have a gender-based pay discrepancy at all. Moreover, there can be limits to a woman’s career progression in tech, fuelled by gender stereotypes and biases.

So, why do we believe that lack of women in the tech industry is a problem? Similarly to underrepresentation in other fields, employing a uniform workforce can lead to some complex issues. Innovation thrives in environments where varied experiences, backgrounds, and viewpoints are shared and discussed. In other words, a lack of diversity often impedes innovation. Diverse teams are also better suited to creating products that are more inclusive of a broader audience.

Additionally, with AI taking the world by storm, it’s already been noticed that a lack of diversity among developers is leading to the creation of biased algorithms that are failing when it comes to recognising non-white or non-male faces. Unsurprisingly, only 22% in the employees of AI-related fields are women, highlighting the need for more diversity in tech.

At Yubo, we’re dedicated to closing the gender gap in tech. Right now, 33% of our team are women, with 53% of those in leadership roles, including our Head of Finance, Head of Legal, Head of People and Head of Safety. But we know there’s always room to grow - and that’s why we were happy to host the OutGeekWomen in Tech event at our headquarters in Paris!

Partnering with OutGeekWomen in Tech, we hosted a dynamic evening of networking for women in dev, product, data, and UI/UX on October 24th, 2024! Our aim was to create an innovative, inclusive, and empowering space led by talented women from across Paris. With over 70 women in attendance, it was a night filled with dynamic conversations, knowledge-sharing, and career insights. We were thrilled to showcase Yubo – our work, our team, and our office – and having a few leading tech companies join us made it even better!

At the event, Margaux Liquard, our Head of Safety, represented Yubo and opened the event with an inspiring keynote. She shared her journey, touching on the personal challenges of balancing motherhood with career growth and reflecting on her professional development at Yubo, where she and her team are building a safe, global platform for our community. Margaux also spoke about the support structures that make workplaces more welcoming for women, such as flexible and remote work options that enable a fulfilling work-life balance – even in fast-paced fields like tech. Her talk was a powerful reminder of the steps a company can take to support women in tech.

Yubo Event - Outgeek: Women in Tech

With this event under our belt, we’re even more excited about future opportunities to actively promote equality and support women in tech – at Yubo and beyond. Events like these are about more than networking – they’re a chance to uplift each other, build connections, and push for meaningful change in the industry. As Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, said, “Tech is for anyone who wants to shape the future.” If shaping the future speaks to you, Yubo invites you to join us in making tech more inclusive and amplifying female voices across the field. Together, let’s create a more diverse and empowering industry for everyone.

In the meantime, feel free to check out our blog posts on supporting women-led businesses and how Yubo contributes to raising awareness about breast cancer.

Hosting A Women in Tech Event at Yubo: A Collaboration With OutGeekWomen

Introducing SafeBlur: A Safety Tool That Lets You Do You!

Safety? Check! Empowering users? Check! SafeBlur is about both Internet safety and user choice, and those values are at the forefront of our work here at Yubo. We’ve all heard of the importance of online safety, but the concept of user agency is gaining more and more traction today. Allowing freedom without encouraging misuse helps users to feel in control of their online environment, so this should not be overlooked when creating safety tools. Navigating the balance between user safety and user choice can sometimes be complex, but here at Yubo we’re dedicated to innovation that does just that. This is why we have been working on a new safety feature called SafeBlur. The goal of this feature is to mitigate potential triggers and discomfort you could encounter when chatting, while giving you an option to see as much — or as little — as you'd like. It is also designed to prevent instances of sexual harassment – an issue Yubo takes very seriously.

Of course, blocking and muting have long been staple safety measures across the social media world, but we felt that a new approach was necessary to proactively prevent our users from seeing inappropriate content. We developed SafeBlur in 2024 in response to in-depth polling conducted on Yubo that highlighted the need for a direct message (DM) content moderation tool. This request was common across different age and gender user groups, and articulated an opportunity to make one-on-one conversations safer.

Sacha Lazimi, Yubo co-founder and CEO commented on the project: “SafeBlur was created in response to insights we gathered through rigorous data analysis and user feedback, reflecting our proactive approach to solving key challenges in trust and safety for social platforms. We’re proud to offer a solution that protects users and maintains the privacy they expect.”

This feature is our latest contribution to a better, safer Internet. Previously, we gave our users the option to exclude specific words through our Muted Words feature. SafeBlur builds on this, making avoiding toxicity online even easier. You don’t have to spend your time choosing words you would like to avoid – SafeBlur does it for you by blurring inappropriate or offensive messages without you having to do any the work.

Yubo Safety - SafeBlur feature

SafeBlur is designed to keep your online interactions safe and upset-free. It scans your direct messages – which are higher-risk content compared to livestreams or live chat – and blurs out any inappropriate or offensive messages. This way you can feel protected when chatting one-on-one, and the private messages you receive are subjected to the same scrutiny as all other kinds of online content. However, to give you a bigger say in the kind of content you see, you will be able to turn the feature off as well as decide to unblur any messages you’re interested in reading even when SafeBlur is on. SafeBlur will also prompt you to report any inappropriate messages, which helps promote safety and accountability.

SafeBlur is an AI-powered tool, allowing us to scan a large volume of text messages daily. The offending content can be escalated to our human moderation team, but the bulk of it will be screened out by AI, making sure you can successfully avoid any inappropriate or toxic messages. SafeBlur works in many languages, helping protect our users in the 140 countries where Yubo is active.

Using SafeBlur is really simple – whenever you receive a questionable direct message for the first time, we will blur it and send you a pop-up alert, asking if you want to keep the feature enabled. If opted out, SafeBlur will be turned off and won’t affect your experience on the app in any way, unless you decide to turn it back on again. With SafeBlur enabled, you will still be able to see the blurred text if you tap on it, and you will also get the chance to report it immediately to our human moderation team if you’d like. What if you decided against enabling SafeBlur, but changed your mind after a while? This can be easily fixed. Simply go to your profile and tap on Settings, then Safety and Privacy, and finally, toggle on SafeBlur. Alternatively, if you have enabled it initially, but want it disabled later, you can always do so by following the same steps.

We’re planning to use the feedback we receive to fine tune SafeBlur to ensure user satisfaction. Dedicated to user safety, Yubo will be taking further steps to remain a vocal innovator in the field of online safety technology.

Lastly, if you were ever harassed online, check this helpful guide on dealing with harassment and bullying. It’s in our power to make the Internet a better place, and here at Yubo, we will continue to advocate for user safety and empowerment through technology.

So whether you choose to protect yourself as much as possible or to keep those convos unfiltered, we’re here to give you the experience you choose! You can check out the SafeBlur feature now by going on Yubo and enabling it in the Settings. Have fun!

When asked about their favourite holiday, a sizable part of the population would pick Halloween. What’s not to love? Trick or treating and dressing up never gets old even as we get older, and our team here at Yubo always looks forward to a good old Halloween party. This year, we made five short lists of our favourite Halloween things! So if you are short on recommendations, be it a scary film, a spooky song, or a festive game or activity, we've got some interesting suggestions for you!

The horror genre has amassed an insatiable fan-base since its nascent days in the 60's when it was a marginal form an entertainment. Today horror films are everywhere, with one or two movies showing in most cinemas on any given night.

Coltan Scrivner, a fear researcher, claims that people drawn to horror often fit into one of three groups: those who enjoy the thrill, those who like to test their limits, and those who use horror as a gateway to work through some deep-seated emotions. For all of these groups, however, the horror genre offers a safe, controlled environment for experimentation. Horror also anticipates resolution and release for the tension built throughout the viewing experience: no matter what happens to the protagonist, you – the viewer – will be out of your seat and on your merry way back home, safe and mostly unharmed.

Aside from personal fears, the horror genre is also a mirror that reflects our collective fears as a society. Many directors employ horror elements to comment on issues of racism, sexism, poverty and oppression.

Our favourite suspenseful classic: The Shining by Stanley Kubrick 
Every list must include a classic for those who love to revisit movies over and over again. The Shining is one such movie, beloved by first-time watchers and veterans alike. Based on Stephen King’s novel and directed by Stanley Kubrick, this movie is known for its tense and sinister atmosphere. It will make a perfect watch for those who aren’t impressed by the horror genre’s staple of jump scares, and who instead enjoy a good psychological horror, delving into themes of insanity and dehumanisation. Jack Nicholson’s eerie embodiment of a writer, recovering from his alcohol addiction, has been haunting viewers since the day this movie came out. His performance also played a large role in the film’s acclaim and status as a classic.

Our favourite satire horror: Scream by Wes Craven 
Mainly known as a slasher movie – which it undeniably is – Scream was also one of the first scary movies to reflect upon horror tropes ironically, and insert these reflections back into its plot. Openly laughing at the staple rules of horror film-making – such as to never drink or say “I’ll be back” when leaving a room – the film does a great job of bending those rules, but also, sometimes, unexpectedly adheres to them in new, self-aware ways. Scream has been a fan favourite since the first movie came out in 1996, with its star cast of David Arquette, Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, and it will undeniably remain a Halloween staple for years to come. The newest instalment of the franchise was released in 2023, and Scream 7 is planned for 2026.

Our favourite psychological horror: Get Out by Jordan Peele 
Horror is often used as a gateway to explore the ugly side of society, focusing on the psychological and emotional states of its protagonists and antagonists. Jordan Peele is a master of social commentary in the psychological horror genre. He brilliantly explores race, privilege and identity through classic tropes of the horror genre. In this movie, a young black man visits his white girlfriend’s parents for the weekend, which gradually becomes ever more eerie and uneasy as it progresses. Surprisingly, Get Out is also incredibly funny, taking the viewers on a rollercoaster ride of laughter, tears and genuine terror. The final scenes won’t leave you unmoved, so if you enjoy plot twists and rising tension, this might be a movie for you to watch this Halloween.

Our favourite folk horror: Midsommar by Ari Aster 
Folk horror is a popular horror genre, exploring cultural fears or beliefs. Films of this genre often choose isolated rural communities and pagan rituals as their setting. Ari Aster made a brave aesthetic decision to make Midsommar an incredibly vibrant horror film. For the most part, the scenes are bright and well-lit, with the lush greenery of rural summer-time Sweden. Somehow, the abundance of light creates as strong a sense of tension as complete darkness does! The plot is quite simple: a group of friends travels to Sweden to participate in a Scandinavian summer festival. However, as they are invited to participate in festivities, a dark and sinister side begins to emerge. Grief and death are a recurring motif, exploring the ways in which people respond and cope with those feelings. It’s a deep exploration of emotional trauma, making horrifying Scandinavian summer festivities relatable to everyday life.

Our favourite body horror: Raw by Julia Ducournau 
It might seem pretty odd to combine a coming-of-age story of self-discovery with body horror, but this is precisely what Julia Ducournau did in her 2016 movie,  Raw. Exploring the animalistic side of humans and our suppressed desires, the film follows Justine, a young vegetarian girl attending veterinary school who discovers her troubling taste for raw meat. Deeply unsettling imagery employed by Ducournau is contrasted by a clean, almost clinical shooting style and aesthetic scenes and colours. This film will be of interest to people grappling with ideas of self-transformation and reckoning with the darker parts of our society and selves.

Music, just like film, can help us regulate our moods and provide the means to escape reality for a little while. It is also linked to the feeling of nostalgia – that’s why listening to a song related to a significant life event can feel like travelling back in time. So, if you want to feel like a kid on your first-ever Halloween, consider setting the mood by playing some classic Halloween tunes!

The Addams Family Theme by Vic Mizzy
This instantly recognisable tune won’t fail to get you to feel “creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky”. It’s instantly recognisable and easy to sing along!

Thriller by Michael Jackson
This one is for those people who feel the need to bust a move as soon as a high-energy song comes on! Pop on the music video and dance along to Michael Jackson’s classic choreography.

Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.
This is yet another song which is impossible not to dance to! Upbeat, fun and catchy, it’ll have you jumping up and down, screaming “Ghostbusters!” in no time.

Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Featured in a relatively marginal Halloween film with a large cult following, Time Warp won’t leave you indifferent! Learn the lyrics, master the moves, and soon you’ll be itching to do the Time Warp again.

This Is Halloween by The Citizens of Halloween
Boys and girls of every age, wouldn’t you like to hear something strange?.. If you don’t know and love this song yet, you’re seriously missing out. And if you feel like rewatching The Nightmare Before Christmas immediately… Well, it’s not our fault! 

While watching horror movies and listening to spooky music are some great ways to get yourself in the mood, video games offer another, immersive option for doing so. Below, we compiled a list of great scary games to play alone or with friends!

Resident Evil by Capcom 
No horror video game list could ever exist without this fan favourite. Resident Evil – the highest-grossing multi-game horror franchise – is almost synonymous with scary games in the gaming world. Designed in the genre of survival horror, it drops the player in hostile worlds inhabited by zombies, bioengineered creatures and other villains. Gameplay-wise, starting with Resident Evil 4, the game employs third-person shooting, while the later games bring back the first-person perspective. Filled with twisted storylines and gripping tense moments, Resident Evil is the perfect Halloween game to play together with friends or alone, for extra spookiness.

Until Dawn by Supermassive Games
If you’re a fan of video games that tell great stories, Until Dawn might be the game for you. Interactive at its core, this game lets you play out your own Halloween slasher movie, full of tension-filled moments and jump scares. Great for playing collectively, Until Dawn allows for the “pass-the-controller” play style, where each player can control one or more characters, ensuring they stay alive. You can even start a little competition with your friends to see who’s the best at yanking their controlled character out of harm’s way. Mechanically, though, the game is pretty simple – it consists of exploration, dialogue and some quick-time events. So, if this sounds like your cup of tea, get some friends and spend Halloween night exploring the mysteries of Until Dawn.

Dead by Daylight by Behaviour Interactive
Of course, we couldn’t forgo a multiplayer game! Dead by Daylight is an online survival horror game for five players, where one takes on the role of a Killer, tasked with murdering the Survivors to appease the Entity. The Survivors have to work together to repair the generators powering the exit gates and escape the Killer. Playing this game during the Halloween season makes for great fun as you can take on roles of the Survivors or the Killer one by one. This high-stakes and high-tension game can make a great addition to the Halloween plans you’ve already devised with your friends.

Alan Wake by Remedy Entertainment
Released in 2010, this action-adventure game is set in the small fictional town of Bright Falls and follows the story of Alan Wake, a novelist battling his writer’s block, who arrives in town with his wife for a short vacation. Facing mysterious forces, Alan has to fight his way out and investigate mysterious shadows that are possessing the townsfolk. Taking inspiration from the early 1990s cult TV show Twin Peaks, Alan Wake is a great choice for all psychological horror fans out there. It is known for its great pacing and tension-building as well as combat mechanics that keep the player attentive and alert.

Oxenfree by Night School Studio
For those of you who don’t particularly like the experience of constant unrelenting tension, Oxenfree could be a great game to explore. It follows Alex, a teenage girl, who is visiting a local island with a group of friends. The beach party has to be cut short after Alex’s radio starts floating unexpectedly, creating a dimensional rift. The gameplay features the “walk-and-talk” mechanic, allowing the player to build connections with other characters as well as explore the island’s eerie forces. It famously has almost no cut scenes, allowing the player to move through the space as their played character communicates with other characters. If not for the gameplay, we recommend you play Oxenfree for its wonderful watercolour art style, combining a dark spooky palette with cute scenery and animations.

Finally, if you’re craving some interesting activities to get up to for Halloween, here’s a list of things you can try to make your day extra spooky!

Bake some scary goodies 
If you’re one of those people who doesn’t really enjoy being scared, but still appreciates the spirit of the holiday, some festive baking could be for you! Make some monster-shaped cookies or use food colouring creatively to achieve the look and texture of blood or mould. Yum!

Carve some pumpkins 
Pumpkin carving is an oldie, but goodie! Get a pumpkin and get as creative as you like. Don’t forget to stock up on candles to light your pumpkin up from the inside when the design is ready, and make sure to keep your safety in mind when working with sharp tools.

Visit a haunted house or attend a ghost tour 
Look up some haunted houses in your area to visit with some friends, or better yet, get some spider webs, flickering lights, and devious traps and set one up yourself to entertain your friends and neighbours!

Participate in a séance 
This one is not for the faint of heart! Bust out that Ouija board, talk with the mirror in a dark bathroom, or just hold hands with your friends in a circle of candles. Be careful, though – you never know who or what might be lurking in the darkness.

Tell spooky stories 
Finally, if you’d like something simple, but effective, you can always gather around with your IRL or Yubo friends and tell some scary stories. Take turns adding to the plot, or participate in a dramatic retelling of a scary film or book you’ve previously seen. Dim the lights and create a tense atmosphere by using an old flickering flashlight or some candles for extra fun. What's more – you can do this live, right on Yubo!

If you’re craving some more ideas for the exciting shenanigans you can get up to this Halloween, check out our last year’s Halloween horoscope for more activities. Every star sign gets a special thing you can enjoy on the spookiest evening of the year without ever having to leave Yubo!

So, having armed you with tips and recommendations, we wish you an awesome Halloween this year. Enjoy some spooky time with your IRL friends, or – alternatively – jump on Yubo, add some relevant Halloween tags to your profile, and make new connections to celebrate with!

No tricks, all treats: Yubo’s recipe for a perfect Halloween

Openness, safety and privacy are of incredible importance today when it comes to social discovery apps. These values are the backbone of user trust, something we always strive towards here at Yubo. Our bi-annual Transparency Report is an essential expression of these values that allow us to build new features and additions to the app with user safety in mind. Covering periods from January to June and from July to December, they provide an overview of all the achievements of our safety strategy and the safeguards we employ during respective periods. Our Transparency Report is available on our website to all: our users, journalists and any safety authorities and overseers. Published since 2021, they have been a trusted resource for anyone interested in how Yubo handles the safety of our users.

Our Transparency Report is usually divided into three sections: Behind the scenes, Safety on Yubo and Key Metrics. While the first section is largely introductory, offering some information about the app, our values and covering any new developments, the other two offer more detailed insight into policies and metrics.

This section begins with an outline of the safety strategy we are following. Yubo is a strong advocate of the “Safety by Design” approach: rather than mitigating unwanted behaviours, we aspire to build the app in a way that prevents violations before any harm is caused. As a part of this approach, we rely heavily on innovative content moderation technology and develop algorithms detecting suspicious or inappropriate behaviours. Alongside these measures, we also educate our users through safety alerts and refer them to our Community Guidelines when appropriate.

Outlining the teams responsible for specific safety processes and tools, we move onto Yubo’s safety measures, among which there are detection technologies, human moderation, identity and age assurance, age gates, and more. Having established a lot of partnerships with NGOs, charities and other safety organisations, we always dedicate a page of the report to our Safety Board and our other safety-related partnerships. We also explain our reporting process in detail, outlining how and when we report illegal content to the police or other relevant law enforcement authorities.

Overall, this section is mainly dedicated to all the ways the Yubo team upholds user safety and privacy in a responsible and open manner. If you would like to know more about our safety tools and processes, make sure to read pages 14 to 31 of our latest report.

This section of the report focuses more on numbers than processes. Here we report on how much content was removed from the platform, what kind of reports were made, and how many accounts were suspended and reinstated during the respective period. One significant chapter of this section that was introduced in the first half of 2023 is our report on the measures taken to fight hate, extremism and terrorism on our platform. Furthermore, in the second half of 2023, we have also added a section outlining the processes and metrics associated with ensuring safety of minors on our app. Lastly, a few final pages of the section are dedicated to permanent bans, user appeals and the live moderation technology we use to ensure our users’ safety whilst streaming live.

Our latest published Transparency Report covers the period from January to June 2024. It was published in September 2024 and is available here.

The biggest highlight of this period was tackling the rise of financial sexual extortion, otherwise known as sextortion, online. We worked on enhancing our detection systems to prevent users from sharing sensitive data. We were also sending out security alerts when our users were switching platforms or exchanging socials. Other than preventative measures, we focused on supporting sextortion victims by bettering our reporting systems and advising our users on how to seek assistance on Yubo and elsewhere.

Another goal for this period was to strengthen our “Platform Integrity” policy that is designed to protect our users from malicious online activity such as fraud or other ways of compromising user privacy.

We also revised criteria for substantial threats, making important changes to how we classify cases that involve imminent danger to our users and escalating them more effectively. Lastly, we enhanced the transparency of the reporting process by letting them know if the action was taken following a report they made to us.

Some important changes from our latest Report will be outlined as compared to our 2023’s report below.

As a result of our proactive detection strategy and “Safety by design” approach, our proactive detection reports went up from 85% to 92.5%. We also sent out more alerts compared to the previous six months after we strengthened the way we flag identity misrepresentation.

Over the last six months, we have learnt to better moderate some types of content proactively – for instance, moderated textual content on Yubo went up from 4% to 41.2%, highlighting our increased ability to work with this type of content.

There were no changes to the Child Safety chapter of the Metrics section in this report – Yubo will be reporting the statistics for 2024 in our end of the year report, coming in the beginning of 2025.

Here at Yubo, we take the safety and privacy of our users seriously. We will always uphold the highest standards when it comes to proactively detecting any instances of harm, and we want to thank our users for playing a big role in making the Internet safer through reporting any suspicious activity on the app. Make sure to check out our latest report and stay tuned for the next one. In the meantime, check out this article about staying safe online, and enjoy connecting and forging friendships on Yubo!

Advocating for openness, safety and privacy: Yubo’s Transparency Report

In a world dominated by algorithms and paid promotions, social discovery apps offer a getaway to finding something truly authentic. Research suggests that the race for increased engagement through algorithms trumps the real evolutionary goal of gaining knowledge: cooperation and problem-solving. This is precisely the shortcoming that social discovery apps can address, in contrast to traditional social media. Yubo, a proud advocate of the “friends, not followers” motto, allows you to connect with a variety of real people, rather than bumping up the most “engaging” polarizing messages or ideas. At Yubo, we believe that real people with real-life experiences are an unbeatable source of learning and inspiration, and we constantly improve our platform to help you connect.

So sit back, relax, and let us tell you how you can chill on Yubo and get inspired at the same time: be it an idea for your next trip, a cool hobby you were interested in, or just a new album to listen to. Dropping unrealistic expectations, embracing surprises and serendipities as well as following others' examples are the three aspects of social discovery apps that can motivate you without unnecessary pressure.

Feeling tired of those picture-perfect summer vacation pics flooding social media yet? Don’t worry – we’ve all been there. With the steady encroachment of the online world into our offline lives, it’s so easy to stress over taking that stunning shot instead of simply enjoying a new city or country. Equally common is having to deal with a jarring mismatch between expectations – fuelled by astonishing imagery online – and the reality that no place is truly flawless. It is easy to give up on the whole travel thing under the pressure to get it just right, but here's the thing: it doesn't have to be this way.

Here’s our advice: take a break from the traditional social media dedicated to curating perfect images and telling exaggerated stories. Instead, turn to social discovery apps, like Yubo, to get inspired, share ideas, and maybe even plan your next big trip with some help from users across the globe. Having real people to discuss your experiences with can be that breath of fresh air we all need. On Yubo, perfect does not matter. What matters is easily connecting with a ton of different people. Start a travel-themed livestream, get instant opinions on where you should visit next through our Spotlight feature, or chat with someone you are connected with. Relax and enjoy those imperfect experiences. However, if switching from social media to social discovery still leaves you with a degree of FOMO, check out our blog post on how to avoid this feeling.

While the algorithm may know your tastes and preferences quite well, getting advice from real people can help you escape the mechanical sameness of countless “Where to go when in Rome” and “The best 100 movies of all times” articles. The safety of your own algorithmic bubble may offer some comforts, but it ultimately takes away an opportunity to really explore and creates serious limitations. To find alternative and authentic ideas, all it takes is finding the right people.

At the core of Yubo lies the individuality of our users. Our mission is to connect you with people from all walks of life, introducing unexpected perspectives and ideas into your social sphere. By tapping into this diverse community of people, you can expand your horizons and break free from algorithm-driven knowledge. It is so much more than just consuming information – engaging with real people can make you a part of an ongoing conversation, help you discover nuance, and be surprised again.

We all love a great success story. However, it is sometimes hard to distinguish a polished picture from what is real. Popular internet accounts and major media outlets are sometimes prone to exaggerating, claiming feats like mastering a dancing style in a month or going on a low-budget trip for just $100. Real conversations, however, offer a more authentic perspective. The incentive to overstate is less prominent – though never fully absent – and comes down to personal circumstance rather than click-bait considerations of finance and prestige. Authentic journeys have the power to motivate us in a way no sugar-coated article can. Forging these connections can help ground your aspirations and, through the power of example, inspire you to take up a new project, change careers, or become healthier. After all, if they can do it, why can’t you? Social discovery apps can highlight real-life examples and be a source of motivation that is real, unpolished, and attainable.

It is simple to get stuck in a vicious circle of repetitive information that’s meant to increase the platform’s engagement, not your satisfaction and knowledge. And we know just the way to break this cycle. Find unexpected friendships on Yubo, start a livestream talking about the complexities of dog ownership, and connect with people who are obsessed with bands you have never heard of! Rediscover the joy of listening to authentic stories and allow yourself to be inspired. The world is your oyster – it’s time to discover.

Get Inspired: Discovering Your Next Obsession on Yubo

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!

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.

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!

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!

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

As the summer winds down, many of you are getting ready to hit the books once again. This transition means having to decrease your online time or, at the very least, use social discovery apps more productively, in a way that helps you enhance rather than impede your studies. Here at Yubo, we’re cheering you on – be it school, college, or work. So, to help you navigate this change better, we’d like to offer you some fundamental tips and tricks for using social discovery apps during this time.

Transitioning from a relaxed summer schedule to a more structured back-to-school routine can be really challenging. Make sure to prepare a realistic plan you can follow! Be aware of active and passive use of social media: while there’s no real harm in casual scrolling during downtime, doing so amidst other responsibilities can have a negative impact on your productivity and learning.

When you feel the need to connect, use social media actively and purposefully by chatting, commenting, and engaging with your friends. Avoid sacrificing sleep for social media. Instead, designate specific breaks to check in with your friends throughout the day, but don’t forget to include some screen-free breaks too! For more tips, check out our blog post on well-being online, which includes some insight on managing screen time and balancing your social media and your day-to-day IRL life.

The prevalence of smartphones and texting means that someone somewhere is always online, which can be overwhelming when trying to catch up with friends throughout the day. As soon as one conversation is over, another begins… What’s the best way to navigate this? One solution is to go back to basics and schedule your time for socializing, just like you would IRL. Let your friends know about your usual social media check-in times. Your friends might appreciate knowing exactly when to expect a lengthy catch-up. Alternatively, if your friends just cannot survive without you for more than five minutes – and who can blame them? – you can use your phone's Focus Mode or mute social media apps while you’re studying or having some screenless time.

When time is limited, consider setting up group chats or calls. This way you can catch up with multiple friends at once or maybe even spark some new connections among friends who haven't met before. Group chats can also reduce the pressure to respond immediately. Although you might miss parts of the conversation entirely, this experience can teach you to “let go” easier. Combining these strategies helps maintain relationships while respecting everyone's time – yours as well as your friends'.

Did you know that 76% of students who learn together start on their assessments sooner? Learning with others can be beneficial in many ways. For instance, you’re less likely to procrastinate and more likely to feel accountable for the results you achieve. Group study can also alleviate the anxiety many students feel when tackling new or complex subjects and reduce the feeling of isolation and loneliness. There’s always an option of getting real-time help from your friends, and you can feel like a superhero helping somebody else with a challenging concept or idea. You can pick up new study techniques from your student group, too!

And here’s the best part: to study together you no longer need to be in the same physical space. On Yubo, you can easily assemble a study group and learn together while hanging out in a live. Whether you prefer background music, the ambient sound of typing, complete silence, or active discussion – the format is up to you. You don’t even need to have an established group to study with: find a tag that’s relevant to your subject interests and start connecting! You’ll get your group together in no time.

No matter your approach to navigating the new school year like a pro – be it reducing your screen time during the academic year, balancing your on- and offline life, or harnessing the power of social discovery apps to meet your needs – we’re here for you. We’re buzzing with fresh perspectives, ideas, and angles, and excited for you to start the new academic year in the best way possible. So, go ahead and make this year your best one yet!

Yubo’s Back-to-School Survival Guide: Social Discovery Apps

Five ways to good mental wellbeing – through a digital lens

Dr Richard Graham is a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and a member of the Yubo Safety Board. He has worked in digital health and online safety for more than a decade and is recognized as a digital health pioneer. He is Clinical Director of stem4, the UK’s leading digital mental health charity for children and young people, a member of the UK Council for Internet Safety and Ofcom’s Making Sense of Media Advisory Panel, and Online Harms Lead for the Child and Adolescent Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

In our 2023 blog about The state of online safety, we looked briefly at the impact of the digital world on young people’s wellbeing. In support of various mental health awareness campaigns around the world that took place in May, we’ve taken a deeper dive into this topic, using the established ‘Five ways to good mental wellbeing’ framework and with insights from Yubo Safety Board member Dr Richard Graham. We hope these tips will help the Yubo community all year round. 


More than 80 million people around the world use Yubo, including many young people, so it’s a great place to make new friends and build a support network. As Richard says, “Connecting with others and creating a sense of belonging is an important goal in a teenager’s development. Nowadays, this often happens online as young people’s social lives are increasingly embedded in digital technology.”


To promote good mental health, social platforms should be inclusive and respectful and users should be able to control what they see and do. Unlike many other apps and websites, what happens on Yubo isn’t decided by algorithms based on users’ previous engagement and there isn’t a focus on influencers and ‘likes’. There is also less pressure for members of the Yubo community to look or portray themselves a certain way or to ‘perform’ for an audience.

“For young people, it’s important they feel able to affect what’s going on around them,” comments Richard. “If your time online feels like it’s being controlled by algorithms or professional content creators, you start to feel powerless. But if you’re in control and you’re building strong friendships, digital spaces can have a very positive impact. You can be yourself.”

When you work out, your body releases ‘feel good’ hormones. In fact, regular physical activity is known to lower stress, increase self-esteem, reduce the risk of depression, improve sleep and help with other mental health conditions. 

With the theme of the UK’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 being ‘Moving more for our mental health’, Richard encourages young people to strike a balance between the time they spend online and any physical activities they enjoy.

“Seize every opportunity to move,” he says. “Even the shortest bursts of activity are very powerful for your physical and mental wellbeing and, as your energy levels increase, you can increase the amount of exercise you do.”

But it’s also interesting to look at the term ‘active’ in relation to the online world. Active users of social media are those who regularly share, comment and post whereas passive users simply follow people, ‘like’ posts and read information online.

“On Yubo, you can take an active role in livestreams, where you connect with a small group of friends, rather than passively ‘liking’ posts,” notes Richard. “And with less of a focus on influencers, you can feel more confident about creating and connecting and not worry about being judged.”

The main skill that young people need to maintain healthy digital spaces is ‘critical thinking’ – in other words, having the ability to question and evaluate what they see online. 

This includes knowing how to identify disinformation and misinformation and recognising predatory and exploitative behavior online. One question that is always worth asking, is why you might want to believe something is true. Other skills include knowing how to report something and being able to use in-app tools to stay safer. 

With the increase in the use of Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Midjourney, young people must also understand that even the most realistic digital content might not be real (e.g. deep fakes) and that inappropriate content and behavior, such as bullying, could be the result of AI chatbots. 

“There are clear risks that [Generative AI] technology could be used by bad actors, or inadvertently cause harm or society-wide disruptions at the cost of children’s wellbeing and future prospects,” said a recent Unicef article, whilst Thorn notes that the shift to Generative AI makes the call for ‘safety by design’ even more urgent.

As the Clinical Director of stem4, the UK’s leading digital mental health charity for children and young people, Richard helps professionals working in healthcare, social care and the youth sector to reduce the impact of online harms through ‘Media Literacy and Mental Health’ webinars.

“One of the things everyone needs to understand is where online risks might become harms in terms of young people’s mental health,” he comments. “What happens when someone is bullied or sexually exploited online? What’s the impact of websites that promote self-harm or eating disorders? How might the views of celebrities and other influencers affect someone? It’s essential that young people develop strong media literacy and critical thinking skills so they can successfully navigate their digital spaces.”

Richard notes that many young people want one person – perhaps a parent or teacher – who can help them make sense of what’s going on and support them to become more resilient. In many cases, it will be friends that young people turn to first. As a study by the University of East Anglia shows, digital resilience needs to be a “collective endeavour” that involves the young person, their family and their school, as well as policymakers, governments and technology companies.

“Giving to others can really improve your own mental health but it doesn’t have to be like a gift,” says Richard. 

You could give your time or attention to someone who feels lonely, share a playlist that you think someone might enjoy, or do some chores at home. Or you could simply commit to prioritising kindness and thoughtfulness online. 

Here at Yubo, we have zero tolerance for bullying, hate speech and other harmful behaviors and we encourage every member of our community to respect their peers. It’s important that young people consider the impact of their actions – for example, if you take a photo of someone and share it online without their permission, how might it make that person feel?

With Nominet’s Digital Youth Index identifying the rise in ‘conscious connectors’, Richard also notes that one of the ways Yubo users can support their peers is by not pressuring them to be online all the time. As he says, “Some people need to be careful about the amount of data they use – perhaps because they have a limited data plan or they share their device with other family members. It’s important to respect this.” 


Yubo is also a safe space for young people to meet like-minded people, get involved in the causes they care about, such as climate change and systemic racism, and have their voices heard. It’s easy to add a hashtag or emoji to your Yubo profile to show your support for the causes that matter to you and we often run campaigns in support of activists, charities and NGOs.

Being aware of your own thoughts and feelings and paying attention to the world around you can help you to enjoy life more. So, it’s important to take regular time out from digital devices and, ideally, to spend time in green and blue spaces, which can really boost your mental health.

The good news is that young people understand how social media might affect their mental health. Indeed, a study by Ofcom shows that they choose to take regular breaks from their favorite apps (or even delete them) and often seek out online content and services to improve their mood and manage any feelings of anxiety. 

“Everything and everyone went online during the COVID-19 pandemic – short form video content was particularly popular and became a substitute for social connections,” adds Richard. “It took a while for young people to get out of their lockdown habits but it’s reassuring that they are now setting boundaries between their digital spaces and what they need or want to do offline.” 

To help you incorporate the five ways to good mental wellbeing in your daily life, how about starting with these five simple challenges?

1. Join a club, team or online community where you can meet new people

2. Block out 30 minutes a day to go for a walk, run or bike ride

3. Learn a little about Generative AI (you might find this BBC article helpful)

4. Check in with a friend (online or IRL) to see how they’re doing 

5. Put your devices down at least an hour before you go to bed

Check out stem4's apps for young people, such as Move Mood, which helps you to set healthy goals, and stem4’s resources for parents and carers.

Stay fresh and safe: Gen Z tips for navigating the social media jungle

Student activism: Ways to get involved in your community

Working at Yubo, the Social Discovery App


Yubo is not just another social media. Founded with a vision to revolutionize interactions, it is a Social Discovery app that offers a unique social experience, beyond the ordinary. It celebrates individuality and fosters connections in a lively atmosphere. 

As a French start-up, Yubo has become a cutting-edge player in the tech industry. 

Yubo offers many features, providing a personalized and engaging social experience that caters to a wide range of interests to help connect with new friends.

Safety lies at the core of Yubo’s mission. It isn’t considered a feature: it is a fundamental commitment. With the ambition to become the Safest Social Discovery app in the world, Yubo has implemented a suite of measures to ensure a positive user experience.


And Safety hinges upon the dedication of individuals.

Who are the guardians of Safety at Yubo? This question serves as the focal point of exploration in this blog series. 

Yubo’s team, dedicated to Online Safety

In this article, we turn the spotlight on Alessandro Ponte, Senior Data Engineer at Yubo.
Alessandro is a key player in Yubo’s team, dedicated to pushing technological boundaries while ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience. 

As an enthusiast of computer engineering, Alessandro brings his unique mix of passion and personality to Yubo's data landscape. 

His primary role is to manage and decipher the wealth of data the platform generates. His analytical skills and expertise are invaluable in making sense of the complex data streams the platform handles daily.

Alessandro is a dynamic multitasker who collaborates closely with the product team to develop data-driven strategies that enhance user engagement and retention. He also oversees the data infrastructure's design and implementation, including databases, data pipelines, and analytics tools. His role is pivotal in ensuring that Yubo's data infrastructure is robust, reliable, and capable of handling the platform's growing needs.

Overall, Alessandro's role at Yubo highlights the importance of data in today's digital landscape. His work underscores the value of data in improving user experience, driving engagement, and, ultimately, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the tech startup environment.

Yubo Life - Meet Alessandro Ponte, Senior Data Engineer

Alessandro is from Avellino, Italy, and works remotely from there. 

His personal goals align perfectly with Yubo's mission, as he dreams of being a tech innovator. He believes in Yubo's dedication to providing cutting-edge features and experiences to its users. 

In conclusion, Alessandro Ponte exemplifies the caliber of talent Yubo is proud to have within its ranks. His alignment with our values of teamwork, leadership, velocity, inventiveness, and excellence make him a vital asset to the team.

As Yubo continues to revolutionize social interactions and prioritize Safety above all else, team members like Alessandro are guardians of our commitment to excellence. 


Want to know more about Yubo’s Company Culture? 
Take a sneak peek in our Parisian office: 

Yubo Life - Inside our Company Culture

Stay tuned to meet more Yubo team members on our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@YuboApp

Yubo's Take

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