# Stranger-Connecting Email Platforms Email Pen Pal Startup Happenstance Matches Strangers Globally By Alyson Wyers | Published 2016-02-27 | Social Media Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/email-pen-pal References: [betalist](http://betalist.com/startups/happenstance) & [happenstance.co](http://www.happenstance.co/) One of the beautiful things about the Internet is it brings people closer together, whether it's old friends on social media or complete strangers on this new [email pen pal service](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connection-apps). Based in France, startup Happenstance wants to connect you with one other person once a month via email correspondence. This person could be anywhere in the world. The [private social networking platform](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phnk) enables you to meet new people and expand your worldview by facilitating thought-provoking communication. After you fill in the form, you will be introduced to a new email pen pal once a month. It's up to you to continue chatting from there. The free service uses an algorithm to match people based on conversation-triggering criteria and common interests. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Stranger-connecting Email Platforms:** There is a growing trend of email platforms that match strangers for meaningful communication. - **Email Pen Pal Services:** Email pen pal services are gaining popularity as a way to connect with people from different parts of the world. - **Algorithm-driven Matching:** The use of algorithms to match people based on conversation-triggering criteria and common interests is becoming more prevalent in email platforms. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Social Networking:** The social networking industry can explore opportunities to incorporate stranger-connecting email platforms, offering a unique and engaging way for users to connect with new people globally. - **Communication Services:** Communication service providers can leverage the trend of email pen pal services, creating new channels for meaningful and thought-provoking communication between individuals. - **AI and Data Analytics:** The AI and data analytics industry can develop advanced algorithms for email platforms that facilitate better matching of individuals based on conversation-triggering criteria, enhancing the overall user experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Paired-Down Social Media Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/month-friend.md) - [Connective Daily Email Groups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glory-morning.md) - [Collaborative Newsletter Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/togetherletters.md) - [Introvert Networking Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iona-platform.md) - [Traveling Tech Enthusiast Chatbots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wanna-catchup.md) - [Smart Networking Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-networking.md) - [Connection-Building Dating Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meaningful-connections.md) - [Safe Stranger Chat Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whisperly-app.md) - [Spontaneous Chat Room Meetups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/randcall.md)