Introducing Bondee, Gen Z's Latest Virtual Escape

(SPOT.ph) You've seen it on your friends' Instagram stories—a 3D avatar with a QR code below it, inviting friends to join them on this new virtual social app called Bondee. Nothing else is said, because there's nothing else to know.

Confused as you are, one thing is certain: Everyone has been jumping on this bandwagon since last week. So, what is Bondee, and what gives?

Behind the app is Singapore-based startup Metadream, who created Bondee with the intention of providing its users a home in the virtual world. Think of it as a cutesy version of Mark Zuckerburg's ambitious Metaverse—one that was welcomed by Gen Z with open arms. This author included.

Also read: What is the Metaverse, the Future of Facebook?

Bondee thrives in its found community

Here's how it works: You start by personalizing your avatar into a mini-version of you, then you stuff your bedroom with items that scream "you" (i.e. uploading a framed picture of your pet, your favorite album, etc.) Next, you find friends to add until you create a hive community with 50 of your closest friends.

Arguably the most entertaining feature on Bondee is the shared virtual space that opens upon launching the app. One look at the screen is enough to see what several of your friends are up to. You’ll see most of them working in the afternoon, while others are already passed out before the sun goes down. 

Your status can also go beyond a simple text with the option to pick a mood, hobby, and activity. Unlike other social media platforms, the posted status won’t expire in 24 hours unless it is replaced or removed by you.

You can also start conversations with friends like on any other messaging platform. 

Older generations can think of it as a combination of Pet Society and Snapchat, where avatars are allowed to visit each other’s rooms and chat with them in private or in a group. A friend also describes it as "Sims, but low maintenance."

What else is there to do?

To be honest, there’s not much to do within the app once you’ve finished setting everything up, but that is exactly why it works. The fun is found in the simplicity. It’s a quick update to and from your friends—then you exit the app. There’s no infinite scroll fatigue to try and escape from. It’s the same appeal that BeReal brought to the table in the middle of 2022.

The rising popularity of Bondee can arguably be interpreted as a response to other social media giants like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram’s roll-out of a more randomized algorithm akin to TikTok’s. It's a move that has frustrated users who want nothing more than to interact with friends.

Gen Zs have a penchant for bringing back old trends,  and the kind of technology they consume is no exception. The search for a simpler time continues. Bondee being the latest platform to give them that means you'll be seeing it on every person's Instagram story for who knows how long, but hey, we've got no complaints here.

Since the app is in its Beta version, expect some glitches here and there, but nothing too major.

Don’t be left out! Bondee is available for download on Android and IOS devices.

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