New dating app helps BYU-Idaho students make connections beyond their phones
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REXBURG — Finding love on campus just got a little easier for Brigham Young University-Idaho students, thanks to a new dating app designed exclusively for them.
ConnectIT Technologies has launched DateWize, a free dating app that encourages students to make meaningful connections and spend less time texting and more time meeting face-to-face.
Unlike traditional dating apps, DateWize requires users to register with a valid BYU-Idaho email address, limiting membership to students with university email accounts.
The app also takes a different approach to matching potential partners. Rather than simply swiping through photos, users can add a short personal note to each “like” to explain what caught their attention.
One of DateWize’s more unusual features is its messaging limit. Once two students match, each person gets just 20 messages to decide whether they’d like to meet in person.
“The idea is to encourage actual dates rather than endless online conversations,” said Mark A. Taylor, ConnectIT Technologies administrator.
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To encourage more meaningful connections, users must complete profiles that include at least four photos, a biography, three interests, and an answer to a personal prompt.
Matches also come with an expiration date. If neither person sends an initial message within seven days, the match disappears. However, conversations that have already started remain active.
“Students can also narrow their searches using filters for mission service, education, languages spoken, height and relationship goals,” according to Taylor.
Unlike many popular dating apps, DateWize doesn’t charge users to see who likes them. There are no premium subscriptions, hidden fees or advertisements.
The app is currently available for Android users through Google Play, while iPhone users can access a beta version through Apple’s TestFlight program.
Although DateWize is designed specifically for BYU-Idaho students, it is independently operated and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the university.
ConnectIT Technologies, the company behind DateWize, also develops several other consumer apps, including BetterCalendar, SignalWize, BrowseWize and MiniScriptures.
Students can learn more at datewize.app