After, a new dating app founded by a woman, is set to launch in Austin, Texas with a unique focus on eliminating ghosting and promoting accountability.
What makes After stand out is its requirement for users to explain why they unmatched someone before they can continue swiping, aiming to avoid abrupt disconnects and confusion.
Founded in October 2023 by Katie Dissanayake, who has a background in tech and dating apps, After aims to address issues like dating app fatigue with its anti-ghosting feature.
The app nudges users to respond if a conversation starts but one party goes silent. If they don’t reply, the match expires and they must provide a reason for letting it go.
Users can select from a list of reasons for stopping communication, with After sending a kind message to the other person to provide closure and remind them of their worth.
The app focuses on active matches rather than a cluttered inbox, prompting users to engage with their matches and providing dating guides for a better experience.
After also features badges for transparency, indicating whether a match is local or a visitor. Additionally, it will introduce mental health check-ins and encourage breaks if needed.
Operating on a freemium model, After offers basic access to free users while providing in-app currency for additional features like boosts and super likes to paid subscribers.
After plans to expand gradually across Texas before moving to other states, focusing on building a strong user community.
Available on both iOS and Android, After is set to revolutionize the dating app experience with its innovative features and user-centric approach.
