The Dating Scene at UB is Evolving; Here’s How to Keep Up
Tinder has dominated the dating scene for college students since its launch in 2012. Over a decade has passed and there’s a new way UB students are approaching the dating scene.
Hoppy is an app designed specifically for college students, and their approach is like nothing we’ve seen before.
Hoppy is like if Tinder and TikTok had a baby. With its predominately video-based platform, it makes connecting with new people on campus online seem more ‘real’ – something you can’t grasp on photo-based dating platforms.
“When you see people speaking [on video], it’s easier to connect with them on a more intimate level,” Ferme said.
Other than the app, UB’s Hoppy ambassadors hold many types of events to locally grow the Hoppy community.
Ambassadors will soon hold promotion events at bars UB students know and love, with patrons receiving free drink vouchers for every Hoppy account they create. Hoppy events aren’t just limited to nightlife. Ambassadors also host mixers at local coffee shops. Providing a cozy, laid-back atmosphere for students to meet and connect. These mixers offer an alternative to the typical campus or classroom setting, creating opportunities for friendships and potential romantic connections to blossom naturally.
What sets Hoppy apart is its commitment to blending digital with personal. By combining a unique, video-centric platform with real-life social events, Hoppy is redefining the way UB students approach dating and making new friends. It’s not just an app; it’s a movement toward meaningful, face-to-face connections in an increasingly digital world.
“It’s not just a dating app, so say I’m in a relationship – I’m just doing it to make friends and watch the content,” says Ferme.
Not only does Hoppy create perfect matches, but it also provides a great way to connect with even more peers.
Hoppy has a group chat feature that allows users to send profiles they see to their friends.
“For instance, if I’m not interested in this person, but I think you might like them, this unique feature allows me to send their profile to my friends,” says Ferme.
Who doesn’t want to play cupid for your friends?
“Pretty much, before the events happen, we’ll promote it on our social media, send it to our friends. But just in general, if we’re promoting it at a bar, and students are interested anyway, they’ll get a free drink,” Ferme said
This face-to-face approach creates an immediate connection between students and the brand, making Hoppy feel less like ‘just another dating app’ and more like an actual part of the UB social scene.
“People think it’s unique and it’s different. There’s not a lot of dating apps where you can take videos of yourself speaking. I think when you see people speaking you’ll be able to tell what they’re actually like. Hearing their voice makes a big difference,” Ferme said.
Ferme believes students are excited about Hoppy because it offers a fresh perspective on online dating. This refreshing approach has caught the attention of students who are eager for more authentic ways to connect, and the excitement stems from the fact that Hoppy feels personal and real. Students can actually see and hear the personalities behind the profiles, making conversations feel less forced and more genuine.
If you are interested in attending mixers, or just want to learn more about Hoppy, Francesca can be reached on Instagram @francescaferme.
