December 22, 2025 · 

Project Lifelink

Details TBA.

Concept: LuvLOCAL link h3

A non-predatory, community-first dating platform pilot at xxxxxxxxx link h3

What this is link h2

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This project is an experiment in building a calm, transparent, and community-driven dating system for a single university campus.
No paywalls. No engagement manipulation. No hidden algorithms.

Dating here is treated as a social outcome, not a product to monetize.

This page serves two purposes:

  1. A public-facing explanation for early adopters and collaborators
  2. A development guide to keep the project focused and accountable

Core principles link h2

  • Community before matchmaking
  • Transparency over optimization
  • Safety through social context
  • Slow growth by design
  • No dark patterns, ever

If these principles are violated, the project has failed regardless of usage numbers.

Scope of the pilot link h2

  • Single university campus: xxxxxxxxx
  • Invite-only onboarding
  • 50 to 150 users
  • Web-only application
  • No federation in this phase
  • No monetization of any kind

This is a proof of social viability, not a startup launch.

What makes this different link h2

Most dating apps optimize for:

  • Time spent
  • Swipe volume
  • Subscription conversion

This platform optimizes for:

  • Meaningful conversations
  • Social accountability
  • Comfort and safety
  • Matches that make sense in context

There is no ranking system and no artificial scarcity.

Objectives link h3

  • Lock product scope
  • Eliminate ambiguity
  • Design the data model
  • Define safety boundaries

Key decisions (locked) link h3

  • University email or invite-only signup
  • Pseudonymous profiles by default
  • 18+ only
  • Deterministic profile visibility
  • No swipe addiction loops

User journey link h3

  1. Receive invite or verify university email
  2. Create a profile
  3. Set preferences explicitly
  4. Discover people calmly
  5. Express interest or pass
  6. Match through mutual intent
  7. Interact respectfully or disengage easily

Initial database model link h3

  • Users
  • Profiles
  • Preferences
  • Interactions (like, pass, block)
  • Matches
  • Reports
  • Moderation actions

This structure prioritizes clarity, auditability, and safety.

Week 2: Backend core link h2

Objectives link h3

  • Build a reliable, boring backend
  • Enable core dating functionality
  • Lay groundwork for moderation

Technology stack link h3

  • Node.js backend
  • TypeScript
  • PostgreSQL database
  • Redis for rate limiting and background jobs

Features implemented link h3

  • Email-based authentication
  • Profile creation and editing
  • Explicit discovery rules
  • Like, pass, and block actions
  • Match creation on mutual interest
  • Soft deletion for safety and reversibility

Matching philosophy link h3

  • No ranking
  • No boosts
  • No hidden prioritization
  • Everyone is visible according to clear rules

If a user asks why they saw someone, the answer should be simple and honest.

Week 3: Frontend MVP link h2

Objectives link h3

  • Make the system usable without explanation
  • Remove friction and confusion
  • Keep the interface calm and human

Core pages link h3

  • Onboarding and consent
  • Profile editor
  • Discovery view
  • Matches list
  • Reporting and blocking
  • Moderator dashboard (internal)

UX principles link h3

  • No infinite scrolling
  • Time-bounded discovery sessions
  • Clear context for every interaction
  • Easy disengagement without penalties

The app should feel closer to browsing a community board than playing a game.

Safety and moderation from day one link h2

  • Silent mutual blocking
  • Private reporting
  • Logged moderation actions
  • No public callouts
  • No algorithmic punishment

Moderation exists to reduce harm, not to control behavior.

Who this is for link h2

This pilot is for students who:

  • Are tired of swipe-based dating
  • Want more context and accountability
  • Prefer quality over volume
  • Are willing to help shape a healthier system

This is not for people looking to maximize attention or validation.

What comes next link h2

If Phase 1 succeeds socially:

  • Community spaces and group interaction are added
  • Dating emerges from shared context
  • Trust becomes social, not numeric

Federation and decentralization come later only if this works locally.

Status link h2

At present this is a closed experiment but will open in the future so stay tuned!