There seems to be a mobile app for everything these days, but it seems as though the app industry has been geared toward the extroverts rather than the introverts — leaving a lot of people feeling more marginalized than before the mobile revolution even began. I have to post a picture of myself on Tinder and talk directly to people? Um, no thank you. Well, one Sacramento-based company saw this gap in target audiences, and has created a new app that might just make social interactions feasible for the more anxious ones.
The app, called Swiggler, allows users to buy drinks for others at local eateries, even if the recipient isn’t part of the Swiggler community. All the buyer needs is the email address, phone number, or Swiggler username of the intended recipient — and the buyer doesn’t even have to be present at the venue in order to send a drink over. For those who feel uncomfortable being recipients of free drinks (but feel even more uncomfortable turning them down directly), the recipient is able to re-gift the drink without the buyer knowing, and the drink can be redeemed at any time in the future.
A few eateries around the Sacramento area have already begun participating in the program, including LowBrau, Kupros Craft House, Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine, and Azul Mexican Food and Tequila Bar. The app is currently available on iPhone and Android mobile devices, and caters specifically to the Sacramento region.
Although the prevalence of mobile devices makes it easier for people to connect with each other, it’s worth noting that there are still many people who prefer to have some level of discretion and anonymity when it comes to social interactions. Swiggler isn’t just an app that takes advantage of so many local searches being performed on mobile devices — it also allows users to tactfully meet new people and make sure that they aren’t making others feel uncomfortable. And Swiggler’s support of local businesses can’t be ignored either; if this app is able to gain a strong following it Sacramento, it may just prove to be a selling point for independent neighborhood businesses that struggle to compete with chain eateries.
