# Commuter Socialization Apps 'Switchback' Enables You to Make New Connections as You Travel By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2017-11-04 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchback References: [betalist](https://betalist.com/startups/switchback) & [beta.heyswitchback](http://beta.heyswitchback.com) The daily commute for many usually means listening to music or reading a book, but the 'Switchback' app looks to make the most of this time by helping users [connect with one another](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connection-app). The app works by having users share profiles with others that they are traveling with to make a connection based on similar interests. This makes the commuting experience more fun and interactive, while also working to increase your social group in a simple manner. The 'Switchback' app comes as a response to the growing number of commuters who are looking for ways to branch out from their routine to [meet new people](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mozi-private-social-network) that they might not interact with otherwise. The app encourages [random socialization](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whisperly-app) in a way that is discreet and relaxed. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Commuter Socialization:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop more apps and platforms that facilitate social connections among commuters to enhance their daily commuting experience. - **Interactive Commuting:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create technologies that transform the daily commute into a more engaging and interactive experience through digital platforms. - **Discreet Socialization:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Invent new ways to facilitate random socialization among individuals in a discreet and relaxed manner, leveraging mobile apps or other technologies. ### Who This Affects Most - **Social Networking:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore opportunities to integrate social networking features into commuting platforms, creating new socialization avenues for commuters. - **Transportation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative transportation services and technologies that prioritize social interactions and facilitate connections among commuters. - **Mobile Applications:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Invest in creating mobile applications specifically designed for commuting, which enhance socialization and connection-making while traveling. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Activity Focused Socialization Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sosocial-app.md) - [Connective Travel Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travel-apps1.md) - [Remote Worker Networking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/app-for-remote-workers.md) - [Backpacker-Connecting Travel Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cotravel.md) - [Simplified Connection Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connection-apps.md) - [Social Professional Productivity Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/likemind-app.md) - [Solo Travel Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solo-travel-app1.md) - [Introvert-Friendly Social Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/introvrs-social-app.md) - [Data-Comparing Social Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mutually-app.md)