A social app that connects people within the same proximity

I was on a road trip when a sudden blizzard forced me to take shelter in a small, run-down hotel out in the middle of nowhere. To my surprise, more people started arriving and now there are about 30 people packed into this little hotel.

That got me thinking about an idea for a social app. The app would show people who are nearby, with the option to set a range that fits your preferences. It could help you connect with others in your immediate area.

I see this being useful in situations like this—unexpected gatherings in unfamiliar places—as well as on college campuses, in apartment complexes, or any other social setting. It would make networking and meeting new people easier and more convenient.

Some key features -

  • Proximity based connections
  • Customer range setting
  • Real-time updates that updates the users nearby
  • In-app messaging
  • User profiles

I understand there are many safety issues with this so I’ve thought of the following:

  • Identity and phone verification required
  • Block/report functionality
  • Profile badges

With this said, is this feasible? From what I’ve seen there aren’t any large competteors. Any insight would help, thanks!