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‘Slow-cial’ app Roost forces you to slow down to the speed of a carrier pigeon
The viral app Roost allows users to send messages through virtual birds at real-life speeds, promoting a slower and intentional form of communication. It has rapidly gained popularity, growing from 10,000 to nearly 300,000 users in five weeks, as users seek a break from constant notifications. Created by Logan Mendelsohn, Roost incorporates trust and safety features while addressing user feedback on AI-generated art.
Key points
- Roost is a social app that mimics sending messages via birds, emphasizing slow, intentional communication.
- The app grew from 10,000 to 100,000 users after a viral post on Threads about its unique concept.
- Mendelsohn created Roost as a fun side project; user demand led to its App Store release.
- The app features privacy-focused options, initial location sharing, and ‘close friends’ settings.
- Users have raised concerns about AI-generated art in the app, prompting Mendelsohn to engage with artists for user-submitted artwork.
Why it matters
- Roost aligns with 2025 IT trends focusing on user privacy, mental health, and slowing down amidst fast-paced tech.
- The rise of niche social platforms reflects a backlash against traditional social media fatigue driven by constant connectivity.
- Concerns over AI-generated content are increasingly relevant in app design, sparking debates about artistic integrity and user trust.
Roost exemplifies a growing shift towards slow, mindful communication in the digital age, resonating with users seeking to escape the pressures of instant messaging while also highlighting the ongoing complexities of AI in creative industries.