Technology makes our lives easier, no doubt about it, but the argument could be made that being digitally connected at all times affects our health in negative ways. Back problems, headaches, blurred vision, you name it. The bottom line is it never hurts to take a quick break and go see the sunshine every now and again.
So the engineers, designers, and visionaries that work with At the Pool, a Los Angeles-based social startup, are promoting everybody to take the pledge to get offline via their platform. They have made it their main mission in life to bring some semblance of humanity back to the web by actually getting off the web.
“We are really on board with the pledge,” says David Zimmerman, business developer of At the Pool. “Our number one priority is to use our technology to better our members.”
At the Pool was designed to bridge the gap between online and offline interactions by connecting individuals with similar likes and interests in the physical sphere versus the digital one. Thus, they bring an elegantly simple solution to the table for eliminating the issues inherent with being digitally connected all the time.
If you have an afternoon meeting and it happens to get canceled, At the Pool can help you make the most of the few-hour gap in your day. Meet up with a potential new friend for coffee, or find a person to hit the gym with.
Think real-world swimming pool when you think At the Pool. What do people do when they go to the pool? They are hanging out with friends, meeting new people, sparking conversations, and relaxing.
However, since the web platform is not entirely conducive to accomplishing the goal of connecting on the go, the team has decided to make a much-needed move to the mobile world. At the Pool will be launched on iOS in September as an optimized and highly upgraded version of the website.
“If you remember, ten years ago people actually got offline and interacted in the physical sphere,” says Zimmerman. “We want to hold true to that trend because it is better for your physical and mental wellbeing to engage in those offline relationships.”
Start a conversation, get involved with your community, do something good for the environment, and spend more face time with your friends. Soon enough, you will not even feel the need to pull your smartphone out – unless you have the burning urge to meet another awesome person with At the Pool.
