College students are the targets of a new and upcoming app called Islands. The app is currently popular in the south and trending at campuses like University of Alabama, University of Georgia, Clemson University and Auburn University along with many others. Islands is an app which is allowing college students to meet people that have common interests through a new and exciting platform.

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The app is a unique combination of chat rooms and event updates combined with the ability to DM individuals. It was created by a man named Greg Isenberg, a 28-year-old entrepreneur who came up with the idea for the app after an odd personal encounter. He was linked to a woman’s support group via email to help support her through cancer, finding that the mode of communication seemed difficult to keep up with. The situation pushed Isenberg to search and then create a better way for strangers to meet. Isenberg then founded the app in San Francisco in 2016.

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Isenberg’s app works as a real-time messaging media, allowing students to find each other within a five-mile radius on their campuses. The app got its name because students can be linked to groups or “Islands” by interest. The app also allows students to link their islands app with their other social media accounts such as Instagram and Facebook. The app is still up and coming and the creators listen to students who are using it to update and create a better social hub.

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As to where the app will go in the future, the startup announced the close of its $1.85 million seed round. Allowing them to evaluate security problems before extending it to further universities.  

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When discussing the app with local Behrend students the question of whether or not the new Islands app will not only become a social hub, but a new dating hub for students came up. However until the app arrives at local universities and evolves with expansion it is yet to be seen where this app will go.