Hong Kong-designed Clink social app is like a Tinder for group nights out
App lets you see who’s up for a night out in your area of choice and hook up with them. Founder says there’s no one-on-one pressure for romance when crew of friends can meet up
Hongkongers and their friends looking to get together with other groups to spice up their nightlife now have a smartphone app to help them break the ice.
Kenneth Lee, founder and chief executive of Clink, says he developed the app to help bridge the gap between social media and dating apps. “The social app scene in the market right now is at two extremes,” he says. “One area is social networking, where you connect with existing friends. And then you have dating apps, which are designed to find you romance and a one-on-one date.”
Lee reckons people are often more relaxed and comfortable meeting new people when accompanied by friends, and the situation is less likely to get awkward compared to blind first dates.
“If you meet someone on a dating app, one on one, there’s always a lot of pressure and a lot of prior implications about romance, and so on. But in a group setting, all of that is gone,” Lee says.
After a match is made, a group chat will be formed where users can get to know each other, exchange contact information and arrange meet-ups.
Red zones on the app’s Hong Kong map show popular areas where people are gathering, usually around Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Causeway Bay.
However, blue icons indicating places where events and parties will be held, also pop up in unlikely locations. Users can find underground music and arts venues in Tai Kok Tsui or local bands performing in factory buildings in Tai Po. Clink collaborates with clubs to offer discounts such as free entry and free drinks.
Although Clink was launched in December, initially for individuals to find parties and events, the new group meeting feature was added a few weeks ago. It is free to download on Apple store and will be available on Android by the end of the year.
