# Uncomfortable Staring Games The Soulfill App Starts Staring Contests with People on Public Transit By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-05-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/staring-contests References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2014/05/soulfill-encourages-players-eye-contact-strangers.html) & [itunes.apple](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soulfill/id814911075?mt=8) As a general rule, staring contests are best when the other person participating is aware of it. However, the premise of the Soulfill app is based on the exact opposite of this and challenges users to lock eyes with strangers on one of the most uncomfortable places possible—public transit. Instead of having people stare at their phones to avoid eye contact with strangers, Little Wins developed an app that would force people to look at one another, as socially awkward as that may be in a closed space. Users are guided through the Soulfill app experience by audio and minimal graphics, where you're part of a mission to bring life to the soulless creatures and their empty stares that surround you. The premise is uncomfortable and a little creepy, but it could add some unusual interaction on your daily commute. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Unconventional Social Interaction:** Developing apps or platforms that allow for unique or unexpected interaction between strangers. - **Gamifying Everyday Experiences:** Incorporating game-like elements in everyday activities to make them more engaging and entertaining. - **Digital Empathy Building:** Creating digital platforms that promote empathy and human connection in unexpected ways. ### Who This Affects Most - **Social Media:** Social media platforms could develop features that encourage unconventional interaction between strangers. - **Mobile App Development:** Developers could create apps that gamify everyday experiences, such as commuting on public transportation. - **Mental Health:** Mental health professionals could explore using digital empathy building tools to help people build connections and social skills. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Staring Contest AR Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blink-break-1.md) - [Friend-Finding Virtual Hangouts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strangely.md) - [Location-Based Message Sharing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharepath.md) - [Brain Training Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brainblink-brainblink.md) - [Introvert-Friendly Social Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/introvrs-social-app.md) - [Anonymous Kindness Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soothe1.md) - [Ease-of-Use Intimacy Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intimacy-app.md) - [Interactive Fashion Horror Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-room-by-gentle-monster.md) - [Immersive Horror Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyes-never-wake.md)