Hey! Vina is an app that emulates Tinder – for friends. It allows you to swipe for friends, join communities of people with similar interests, complete quizzes about your personality and read articles about meeting people and ways to improve your social life.
Our rating: 4/5
Available on: Android and iOS
Hey! Vina has a similar setup to Tinder which makes it simple to use. Users are able to specify whether they are male or female, which will then connect them to users of the same gender. The user is then asked to specify their age, the general area that they live in and a short bio. After this setup, the user is asked a couple questions such as your work–life balance, whether you would rather drink tea or coffee and whether you are an introvert, extrovert or ambivert. Users are also able to join a series of communities if they choose, based on their interests such as runners, dog parents, entrepreneurs, sing ladies and yogis.
This will then bring up other users for you to swipe with similar interests.
Users are able to swipe left to reject the other users' profiles, and right to accept. If the other user decides to swipe right to you as well, called a "ditto", it automatically connects you via the messaging system and introduces you to the other user.
The intention of the app is to provide an easier way to make friends, which can sometimes be difficult nowdays days. It definitely puts the power of being social into the user's hands and allows them to take control of their social lives in a way that may be more comfortable.
In theory, it is a fantastic idea and all users are aware of the intention to make friends, however, it could easily turn sour and be used by men to lure women, which is not a problem specific to this app. The app would just make it easier because women generally feel more comfortable opening up to another woman. There are also a few problems with using the app itself when the user chooses communities and rejects another user, the rejected profile still shows up on other communities. The app also only allows you to connect through facebook so, if a user doesn't want to connect their Facebook profile with the app, they are unable to create an account.
Hey! Vina requires constant checking because the app doesn't notify you when you have matched with another user, putting you at risk for losing out on a chance to connect.
The quizzes and questions about your personality and personal preferences really help to get some basic understanding of the person from a very limited profile. It also allows the users to introduce themselves and break the ice easily as you are able to talk about your common interests. The messaging feature is effective and the more women that join the app, the easier it is to make connections.
Personally, I enjoyed using the app. I found it easy to use, fun and exciting and I think all women could benefit from the app in making connections with other women.
Check out the video below for more!
