Yubo’s “Near You” Feature Invites Users to Connect with Local Gen Zers

As social media use becomes a key part of 21st-century life, Gen Z users have really gravitated to this communication style. In fact, these digital natives are often comfortable maintaining online-only relationships.

However, there’s something special about making real-life contacts and building new friendships. Yubo’s “Near You” feature is designed to facilitate the process, which will begin inside the Yubo app.

4 Benefits of Turning Online Connections into Real-Life Friendships

Gen Zers who transform an online buddy into a real-life friend can realize multiple benefits. Yubo highlights four ways this two-stage relationship can help broaden both parties’ perspectives.

Fosters More Authentic Friendships

By establishing a solid online relationship with another Yubo user, meeting them in person seems like the next natural step. Building this foundation can set the stage for an especially rewarding friendship.

Establishes Common Interests and Expectations

Both parties may feel a sense of uncertainty about meeting someone in person. Congenial online chats that identify common interests, define expectations, and set boundaries can help break the ice. Laying this groundwork can help both parties determine whether to take the next step forward.

Promotes a Nearby Social Connection

Gen Zers who attend college away from home, or who begin a new job in a different city, may lack key local connections. Meeting an online friend in person can spark welcome social opportunities. Whether the friends share a meal together, attend an event, or embark on a joint shopping trip, these get-togethers can enrich an otherwise-ordinary day.

Provides Details on Local Venues and Events

Local residents are likely knowledgeable about popular restaurants, event venues, and other gathering spots. If a festival, concert, or other “must-see” event is on the calendar, these Gen Zers will likely know about it. And not surprisingly, they are often excited to share their favorite destinations and events with others.

Snapshot of Yubo’s “Near You” Feature

Yubo’s innovative “Near You” feature is accessible through the app’s new Infinity Pack. This subscription-based offering also includes other desirable features. Users can see who viewed their profile and who “swiped right” on them. Every week, Infinity Pack subscribers will receive one free Boost, Spotlight, and Turbo power. If the subscriber makes a swiping mistake, they can correct it via the Reverse Swipe feature.

The Infinity Pack also includes unlimited swipes, inviting users to choose the number of profiles they view. As a bonus, Infinity Pack subscribers won’t have to view any ads. To view Yubo’s full suite of purchase-ready powers, users can refer to the Yubo Team’s Guide.

Finally, users who don’t purchase the Infinity Pack can still view friend requests from users close to their locale. This free functionality appears as a new section on the Friends tab.

Getting Creative with the “Near You” Feature

Yubo’s Gen Z users can apply the “Near You” feature in multiple ways. When a local user’s friends are busy for the evening, the user can ask someone to join them for a tasty restaurant meal or fun local event. Solo travelers can find a friend to show them around town for a few hours (or several days).

Yubo users with solid online friendships may take a unique view of real-life interactions. Here, Yubo offers a perspective on taking an online relationship into the real world. Regardless of the reason for getting together, careful preparation can lead to an enjoyable encounter.

3 Pre-Meeting Preparation Tips

By laying the groundwork for a social encounter, both parties are better equipped to enjoy the experience. Here, Yubo offers three meeting preparation tips applicable to first-time in-person meetups.

Master the Person’s Name Pronunciation

Learning how to correctly pronounce someone’s name is a sign of respect. Before the meeting, each party should learn the accurate pronunciation of the other user’s name. This is especially important if the user is of a different ethnicity or their name is spelled in an unusual way.

Browse the Friend’s Social Media Profiles

Browsing a user’s social media profiles often reveals their personal style. Their likes/dislikes, hobbies, and personal passions may also shine through. Regardless of the result, learning more about the other person provides more points of conversation.

Embrace an Authentic Interaction

Rather than embellishing one’s personal background, each party should approach the interaction with honesty and authenticity. These attributes are essential to building a solid, lasting friendship.

Keep Safety in Mind During Real-Life Interactions

Meeting an online friend in person is an exciting proposition. At the same time, each user should consider their personal safety when preparing for this real-life interaction. Yubo offers six important tips that can help both parties safely enjoy the experience.

Take a “Test Drive” First

Although texting is a preferred Gen Z communication method, users should ideally engage via a video call or voice note before meeting someone in person. This gives users a glimpse into the other party’s personality, helping to make the “go/no go” decision easier.

Establish Expectations and Boundaries

Before the meeting takes place, both users should clearly state their expectations for the encounter. They should also set boundaries related to the physical setting and/or conversation subjects.

Select a Public Place or Group Setting

For safety reasons, both parties should arrange to meet in a public setting. Suggestions include a café or coffee shop, museum, or other well-traveled location. Each user should make their own travel arrangements.

Alternatively, the meeting can take place in a group setting. This can help both parties feel more comfortable, and it’s also a safer environment for a first in-person encounter.

Share the Meeting Details with Someone

Each party should tell a family member or friend about the meeting date/time and location. Bringing a fully charged phone, along with a power bank or charger, are also good strategies.

Listen to Personal Intuition

Once at the meeting site, each user should confirm that the other person’s appearance matches their online photo. During the encounter, each user should pay attention to their gut feeling about the other party. If something doesn’t seem right or causes anxiety, the concerned user should immediately leave or ask for help from others. Yubo emphasizes that each party’s personal safety should be the primary consideration.

A Multitude of Friendship Opportunities

Yubo’s “Near You” feature can open the door to numerous local friendship opportunities. With some pre-meeting preparation, and personal safety precautions, Yubo’s Gen Z users are well-equipped to explore a new dimension in personal relationships.

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