A groundbreaking new app is changing how people find friends, make professional contacts, and even discover the loves of their lives. Called Crossed, it relies on advanced geolocation and other technology to forge connections between people who may cross each other’s paths regularly, yet would never get the opportunity to meet otherwise.
“Our primary focus is fostering safe, genuine connections,” says Manny Manzel, CEO of Crossed. “That’s the cornerstone of our app.”
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How Crossed uses geolocation technology
Crossed uses geolocation technology to present potential connections to users based on the places they frequently go. “Smartphones use a passive form of this technology,” Manzel says. “People tend to use it most often to see where they are on a map and navigate to somewhere else.”
However, Crossed utilizes a proprietary algorithm that goes beyond this usual use. “It considers how often you go someplace, what time you usually go, and your own individual user preferences,” Manzel explains. “Based on those patterns, it identifies potential people you might be interested in meeting within the Crossed user database.”
Each user is given a 150-meter perimeter, and when two users’ bubbles overlap, the system considers them a prospective match. “Users who have crossed paths at the same time are given priority, but the app doesn’t require users to be in the exact same place at the exact same time,” Manzel says. “The idea is to offer people the highest quality possible matches given their own individual priorities.”
Several kinds of customization are possible. The first identifies the main reason the user has activated the app.
Business, friendship, or dating
Crossed offers three main modes: friendship, dating, and business. In the app’s “Business Mode,” users can draw attention to their professional skills, expertise, training, and goals.
“The idea is to network with other professionals in one’s industry and perhaps even attract new business partners,” Manzel says. “In this way, the app facilitates collaboration, mentorship, and career development.”
In the “Dating Mode,” users can find potential partners based on the compatibility of their interests and lifestyle. “Many people are interested in finding people to date who enjoy the same leisure activities,” Manzel notes. “For example, let’s say you love to swim — with Crossed, you can be introduced to other regulars at your pool.”
The “Friendship Mode” is dedicated to expanding users’ social circles. “Users can tailor the platform based on their hobbies or interests and get matched with like-minded people,” Manzel says. “It’s a great way to meet people who like doing the same things you do.”
According to Manzel, matching, messaging, and profiles are kept separate for all three modes. In addition, before acknowledging a potential connection, users can also view the modes that other users are active on.
“That way, they can make informed decisions about what their possible matches are looking for,” Manzel says. “For instance, someone might only be interested in making new friends or professional networking, so they can set up their profile to make that clear from the very beginning and screen out prospective contacts who might also be looking for romance.”
If the user’s goals change, they can shift modes quickly and easily. No matter which mode the user chooses, however, the app always prioritizes privacy and safety.
How Crossed keeps users safe
Crossed contains many built-in safety features that ensure users’ security. “We know location data is sensitive, so we employ strict measures to keep it secure,” Manzel says. “Our database is encrypted, and we continuously render users’ location data anonymous to protect their identity. All data is stored in highly secure, state-of-the-art Amazon Web Services data centers. Of course, we only access people’s location information with their consent.”
The app also allows users to verify their accounts at no additional cost. “At Crossed, we use the same internationally recognized security standards as national banks and financial institutions like Venmo, and Chime,” Manzel says. “It’s called Plaid, and people can use it to verify their accounts and prove they’re who they say they are.
Crossed even offers a “Safe Mode” option that enables people to choose who can view their profile. “Users don’t have to worry that someone they aren’t interested in connecting with might see their profile,” Manzel explains. “On Crossed, you share information only with those you want to learn more about you. If a user rejects a possible match, the app simply moves on to other suggestions.”
When users accept a match, they can start messaging each other through the app and explore the connection further. All messaging on the platform is encrypted and secure. “We use Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols to protect all communications,” Manzel says. “Every time someone logs in, our system generates a new encryption key.”
In addition, users can report any inappropriate behavior. “We have a moderation team that reviews these reports quickly and takes action if necessary,” Manzel says. “Users can also block anyone they wish at any time.”
Crossed: A next-generation social networking app
Crossed offers a next-generation social networking app that solves the problems of its predecessors. “We love to say, ‘Swipe Less, Live More,’” Manzel says. “To use this app, all you have to do is go out and live your life. We’ll make introductions, and you’ll meet friends, build community, and make your dreams come true.”
