I kinda can't see many women wanting to share any contact information with the random creepy stranger sitting opposite them on the train.

GRINDR used to have this feature;. Usually, it was just annoying with randos (who never read my profile and had nothing in common with me) messaging me simply because I'm in the vicinity. Occasionally, guys got creepy/stalky and randomly knocked on neighbours doors trying to find me.

I don't recommend resurrecting it.

Are there any relevant projects or ideas that already exist?

Yes there is, it's called a business card. It's opt in, has all your relevant information, and best bit, no phones or proprietary software required.

Fuck no. If I fucking wanted to talk to those fucks I'd fucking talk to them. If I fucking wanted them to have fucking information about me, I'd fucking give it to them.

There is not enough fucking fucks to emphasis how fucking bad, how fucking stupid, and how fucking deranged this idea is.

fuck

Does using your mouth not work lol

I am struggling to wrap my mind around how stupid of an idea this is

This sounds like it would be of particular interest to creeps and stalkers, I can't see how it would possibly be safe.

Oh god no. I always keep gps/location/mobile internet turned off unless I actually need it. I don't want to connect with people. Quite the opposite.

Have you, or are you planning to, stalk someone? Because that sounds like something a stalker would propose.

That's a great way to attract stalkers.

Nintendo had a feature like this implemented in the 3DS called StreetPass. When you passed someone else with a 3DS it would share some information (like game data) that you could later review.

The way Apple does this with Name Drop, where you have to bring your device very physically close to the other, sounds like a much better idea.

I may be alone in this, but rather than profiles, a pseudonymous 'map chat' would be really useful jn a number of ways.

Nintendo StreetPass? Used to be super popular in big cities.

I like this idea provided it's 100% opt-IN and not opt-out. Nintendo's 3ds streetpass did something like this and it's very cool being able to see what other people are in your area with a 3ds. A social media focused on this would be pretty neat IMO.

Pretty sure my phone already does this you just have to pay google a fraction of a penny to see it

I'm a little sad I missed out on Yik Yak, tbh. I think the idea of interacting with people within your proximity has power. Whether it just be casually BSing with your neighbors, or having conversations about a sports event.

I'd prefer if it were anonymous/pseudonymous with effective location fuzzing, though. But that could in theory include profiles with details you're willing to share with randos. Could have augmented reality (AR) uses as well.

As long as you control the information and have the ability to shut it off entirely, it could be useful.

No. This would be a mess security-wise.

There's something similar on some bicycle computers, e.g., Wahoo's Find a Friend: https://support.wahoofitness.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000387844-Find-a-Friend-feature-on-the-ELEMNT-BOLT-ROAM

Not sure the extent to which it shares information though.

Theoretically one could ask for contact information

Practicality one is not brave enough

Even if it is opt-in, I personally would absolutely not trust it.

Who's to say there wouldn't be a glitch in an update that causes your location to leak and some wannabe serial killer doesn't come and try to kill you?

No!

You're in luck because Facebook secretly has this feature and can magically suggest you friends based on that.

Isn't that what the dating app hinge does?

It shows you the profile of people you passed by throughout the day I think.

I mean if you want to I don't see the problem with it. Might be interesting, as long as you can choose when and where your profile might be shown and what information is on your profile.

Definitely don't think it should be some mandatory thing though.

This isn't exactly what you're going for since it isn't automatic, but Apple is introducing NameDrop in iOS 17 which will allow you to share contact info by holding iPhones next to each other (similar to Bump back in the early 2010s). Of course NameDrop is closed to Apple devices which sucks (Android has Nearby Share, but it doesn't default to sharing your contact), but the idea of being able to hold phones to each other to share contact info would be ideal for me - it'd be quick so I wouldn't have to think about it and would be willing to do it for brief interactions, but also ensures my info is only shared with who I choose.

nah, i think what apple did is a great implementation if your idea. simple and safe. just tap two phones together and contact info is shared. i think android should be able to do this too. but ofc, it's "Apple-only" like airdrop

So kinda like Happn but without the protection of needing to match first?

The idea doesn't really entice me. I'm sure I'm passing by lots of interesting people on a daily basis that's worth connecting to, but the risk of exposing myself to the types of people I'd like to avoid outweighs that reward for me.

I think in general it would be problematic, but also I wish streetpass still existed because that made traveling fun

Dude I saw this idea in a future doco, in the 90s. People had badges that lit up when profiles had similarities. It never happened of course.

Something like Google's Exposure Notification API but for memes... All the controversy but none of the morbidity...

In the upcoming iOS 17, there is a feature to tap two phones together to share whichever contact information you choose to. It’s all a manual process though, as I think it should be.

I could see a world where augmented reality glasses could show people’s names floating above their heads, if they opted in. It would be useful for private work meetings and small classes, not so much for walking around in public. Would need fine grained controls over sharing what, to who, when and where.

That sounds like a nightmare to be honest. Not something I would dream of using.