A Chinese company called Hangzhou Ouch Technology recently created an app called 'Come Rent Me' that allows users to exchange their free time for cash. As technology continues to change the way we interact socially, this app adds a monetary element to the process of looking for companionship online.
Come Rent Me is similar to other dating apps in that users can browse through a series of profiles. When users find a suitable companion, they can invite the individual to go see a movie or grab a bite to eat. Those advertising their companionship are able to pick a price for their time, with fees ranging from less than a dollar to upwards of $30 per hour. The two parties can only begin communicating with each other once the user has paid the allotted companionship fee. The individual offering their services can then choose whether or not they wish to take on the client.
While the service may sound unusual, more than 50,000 users are already using the platform to seek out paid companions.
Paid Companionship Apps
The 'Come Rent Me' App Allows Users to Exchange Their Free Time for Money
Trend Themes
1. Monetized Social Interaction - Adding a monetary element to online companionship services allows users to exchange their free time for cash.
2. On-demand Paid Companionship - The rise of apps like 'Come Rent Me' enables users to quickly find and pay for companionship based on their preferences.
3. Economic Empowerment Through Time - By giving individuals the ability to set their own price for companionship, apps like 'Come Rent Me' provide opportunities for people to monetize their free time.
Industry Implications
1. Online Dating - Apps like 'Come Rent Me' disrupt the traditional online dating industry by bringing a transactional element to the process of finding companionship.
2. Sharing Economy - The 'Come Rent Me' app showcases the potential for the sharing economy to extend beyond physical assets and into the realm of personal time and experiences.
3. Micro-entrepreneurship - The rise of paid companionship apps presents a unique opportunity for individuals to leverage their social skills and time management abilities to create income streams.