Throughout the last year, it's become hugely apparent just how challenging it is to make real, meaningful connections online during a time when we have experienced more solitude than ever. The internet is vast and social platforms are in the thousands, but nothing has yet bridged that disconnect between the virtual and real world.

A new communication platform called Bonder aims to shake up the status quo and revolutionize what it means to be connected online. Founded on an ecosystem of "people helping people," Bonder offers numerous tools and services to enhance, support, and encourage better human encounters both professionally and socially.

Bonder's vision is to become the world's leading and very first Location-Based Communications Platform (LBCP), where consumers can connect with both personal, professional and retail users in their local community — a one-stop shop for everything and anything communication related.

Features

Bonder is a multi-purpose communication platform that allows users to instantly find and connect with people both near and far who share similar interests and passions for everything from activities to professional connections to charitable causes. Users can "explore" and grow their personal and professional network which can actually translate to real-life encounters, meaning you can get to know your neighbors and community members to expand your in-person circle.

The platform allows people to join topic-driven groups and conversations, letting people talk with others on subjects they are passionate about without an eavesdropping algorithm that zones in on keywords, pushing through unwanted ads. Bonder's business model isn't based on ad sales or data farming which ensures that the connections made and conversations being hard are authentic and filled with purpose.

Bonder stands by a commitment to keep every interaction completely private with highly secure encrypted messaging, and never shares data. Bonder founder Scott Swanson says: "We built bonder so you can make it your own by cultivating a community with purpose. It's time for a network that takes care of each other and empowers live, human connectivity. If you want to stand in your power, give to those around you through meaningful exchange, and stand for others in your community."

Furthering that commitment to authentic connections, Bonder has the ability to connect users with brands in new and innovative ways. Bonder's location-based technology lends itself to a variety of retail applications focused on building brand affinity and loyalty. Partnering with well-known brands, Bonder users are able to connect with sales associates on the floor using the platform's "6 Feet Closer" feature. This feature allows customers to connect to sales team members without being physically close in order to ask for assistance while debating a purchase. Once a customer shares their needs, it allows the most knowledgeable associate to respond, increasing the potential of a sale. Bonder's retail application also allows customers and team members to continue the conversation within the app ensuring that each customer's experience with a retailer or brand continues well beyond their in-store experience.

Giving Back

While Bonder is focused on creating a society that prioritizes real world connection, its commitment to giving furthers its differentiation amongst other platforms. Bonder allows its users to donate to causes that matter to them straight from the app. While users are busy engaging in meaningful conversations about topics that fill them with purpose, Bonder allows you to learn more about what you can do to support your community. Or, if you want to give a gift on a smaller scale and just cheer up a friend, you can text anyone a gift card from some of the world's biggest retailers — a different option to the classic thinking-of-you chocolates or flowers.

Ultimately, Swanson developed Bonder for people to be their best selves, to create space between individuals and among communities that allow meaningful interactions to occur not online but in real time. "We're missing lots of powerful bonds and connections around us because we're immersed in a digital environment," he says. "Our platform allows people to start to rethink how we're using technology and go and start building out more powerful networks."

Find out more about Bonder here.