We are building the next generations' social communications platform.
We are enabling people to build and socialize in virtual spaces. As avatars, users can be whoever they want to be - no real photos or names required - and interact in completely new ways.
Combining the feeling of being together in the same space, the ability to express oneself simply but effectively, and nurturing creative passion is what will make virtual experiences go mainstream. As people discover these benefits and compare them to existing social products - there is no going back!
Most people will eventually hang out in virtual worlds - and Scapin' will provide the social spaces tying it all together.
Generation Z is the loneliest generation so far, followed by Millennials (it's been moving in the wrong direction). We don't think it's a coincidence that the latest adult generation are also referred to as "digital natives".
The current digital products and interfaces are great for making certain type communications and activities more efficient (e.g. we make plans by messaging, we buy certain things online only). Digital communication has also enabled interacting more often in shorter sprints, and sharing content.
The problem with some of our largest digital products is that they either reduce the social component of some of our previously social activities (shopping on Amazon, watching movies on Netflix, "meeting" on Zoom), or limit our ability for expression to sending a text bubble (Whatsapp) or an image (Snap).
It's easy to see how digital technologies have made us lonelier. But we don't believe the solution is less technology, but rather solving the problem with better technology.
Virtual will be for everyone. Hundreds of millions are already doing it, and soon, everyone is going to hang out in virtual spaces with avatars as the identity. It will be the main interface for how we interact when not sharing physical space.
If this sound strange, consider again how much time we already spend in digital interfaces, expressing digital versions of ourselves (think of any given social platform of today).
Virtual and spatial interfaces will be a major upgrade to today's digital communication and social experiences as they enable better and more fun ways to interact.
Virtual will help us connect. A lot of our socializing today happens when not sharing physical space. Virtual will improve our ability to form relationships during such interactions.
Sharing (virtual) space, rather than chat groups, combines presence-based interactions with better options for expression - powered by much stronger visual experiences than we see today.
Virtual interactions will also maintain the lowered barrier to reach out that is a positive effect of many of today's social products (consider the difference in effort to meeting physically or a video call).
We foresee, better, simpler and more frequent opportunities to build connection in environments where only your imaginations sets the limits.