LoveJack: The Dating App Revolutionizing Connections with Just Five Words

Forget lengthy profiles and endless swiping. LoveJack, a new dating app created by Julia LeStage and Lisa Le, is shaking up the online dating scene by challenging users to express themselves with just five words. Inspired by the efficiency of Kevin Malone’s communication style in “The Office”, LoveJack aims to foster more meaningful connections by prioritizing concise and creative self-expression.

LoveJack flips the script on traditional blind dating apps. Instead of blurred or hidden profiles, users initially see five words chosen by potential matches. The profile picture is only revealed when users press and hold on their phone screens, eliminating the superficial swipe mechanic. These five words can range from personal traits and jokes to current feelings or even quirky details, adding an element of intrigue and sparking conversation.

The founders, Julia LeStage and Lisa Le, were motivated by their own frustrations with online dating, which they felt had become too much like a job application, filled with posed photos and exaggerated bios. LeStage told TechCrunch, “This is not LinkedIn. Where has the fun gone?” This sentiment resonates with many online daters, as evidenced by discussions on platforms like Reddit, potentially explaining the challenges faced by dating giants like Tinder.

LeStage drew inspiration from her experience as a judge for the Webby Awards, where winners are famously limited to five-word speeches. She also noted the influence of The New York Times’ popular Wordle game. By imposing the five-word constraint, LoveJack encourages users to be clever and concise, moving away from the mundane introductory questions that often plague online dating.

According to LeStage, the true value lies in the stories behind the words. She shared an anecdote about a date who used the word “disco,” which led to a conversation about his writings on disco history. “I was like, ‘Well, aren’t you Mr. Interesting?’” she recalled.

LoveJack offers unique features like “Bet On” and “Hold.” “Betting” is similar to liking a profile, but it requires users to submit a five-word opening line, giving the match something engaging to respond to. Users are limited to five matches per day, promoting strategic decision-making. The “Hold” feature allows users to bookmark profiles they are unsure about.

The five-word descriptions can be updated daily, adding a dynamic and social element to the app. LoveJack archives all previous entries, allowing users to track how their matches are revealing themselves over time. As LeStage explained, “You can see in real time, day to day, how they’re revealing themselves through their five-word updates…Your story is going to change every day, all day, like your mood and the weather.”

Future premium subscriptions will include an “All In” button, LoveJack’s version of a “Super Like,” which will use all five bets on one person, preventing them from matching with anyone else for the day. To minimize ghosting, LoveJack requires users to write a preset goodbye message that is automatically sent when they unmatch someone.

LoveJack also encourages users to use fake names to protect their identities, coupled with a selfie verification process to ensure authenticity. The app includes safety features such as reporting and blocking capabilities, censorship of banned language and explicit photos, and an emergency feature for contacting the police and safety hotlines.

LoveJack is set to launch its iOS app next month, starting in London, with plans to expand to U.S. markets, including Boston, New York, and San Francisco. An Android version is planned for India in late summer. Users can join the waiting list for early access by signing up at lovejack.app.