Whether studying in the library or waiting in line at the Crossroads, BYU-Idaho students now have a new way to discover who’s around them with the introduction of Proximity Live, an app that shows other users within a 50-foot radius.
The app was created and launched in Provo, Utah four months ago by entrepreneur Jake Gardanier and his cousin, Connor Hilton. The developers say the app was designed to help reduce feelings of social disconnection by encouraging in-person interactions through shared interests.
“Several times I've gone to parties and different events, and I've met people, but we just haven't had similar interests or haven't been into the same things, and it doesn't go anywhere,” Gardanier said. “But [the app] shows your interests, it shows your hobbies and things that you like to do and it's easier to meet friends that way.”
Users create a profile that includes interests, hobbies and photos, and can link other social media accounts. While using the app, users can only see and send friend requests to other users who are within close proximity, allowing conversations to begin only when users are physically nearby.
The creators say privacy was a priority during development. Proximity Live’s 50-foot radius is intentionally larger than many other proximity-based apps, and users have the option to turn off location visibility at any time. The app also allows users to report or block other users who make them uncomfortable.
Following the launch of the app in Provo, friends of Gardanier have reported positive experiences and meaningful new connections.
“They tell me that when they go to the library, they find someone on the app that they didn't know and they actually see them there and they get to meet a new person,” Gardanier said.
The app has recently expanded to Rexburg, where student ambassadors are helping introduce it to the BYU-Idaho campus community. Bryce Fisher, a social work major at BYU-Idaho and an ambassador for Proximity Live in Rexburg, says he hopes the app can help break down social barriers among students.
“There's kind of just walls that people have up usually just walking around campus and people don't really talk. They just kind of put their earbuds in and go on about their day,” Fisher said. “And this app I think it'd be really good just to get people to talk and to have fun, make friends, even just network.”
Proximity Live is currently available for download on iOS devices. To learn more about the app, including future updates and events in Rexburg, users can visit Proximity Live’s Instagram page.