The Brief: The Zoom University app, known as ZoomU, is a new app for college students to make friends and go on double dates with others.

Bluesquiggle
DEEP DIVE

In early March 2020, the phrase “Zoom University” was coined by college students after their courses were moved online due to Coronavirus stay-at-home orders. The phrase has since turned into a real life app. ZoomU, as it is known for short, is a social dating service that sets up friends on double dates. Many are also using the app to entertain themselves and make new friends since quarantine went into effect. Zoom University initially started as a platform, and as of April 30, it became an app available on iOS.

How It Works:

Prospective users enroll at Zoom University with their high school or college best friend by downloading the app. Next, users are required to check ZoomU’s IG story (@thezoomuniversity) at 8pm PST/11pm EST for a secret access code. From there, they should be able to instantly pop into a video chat with a group of people.

ZoomU Zoom Univerity App
Apple App Store/Dandy, Inc.

Reviews:

ZoomU is currently rated 3/5 stars according to 154 ratings. Many reviewers report the app crashes before they are matched with a group.

Safety & Privacy:

The app is intended for college students, ages 17 years old and above. ZoomU collects data from its users, though its privacy policy states if developers receive information from children under the age of 18, it will be deleted.

Per policy: By submitting Personal Data through our Service, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy and you expressly consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. A note about children. We do not intentionally gather personal information from visitors who are under the ages of 18. If a child under 18 submits personal information to Zoom University and we learn that the personal information is the information of a child under 18, we will attempt to delete the information as soon as possible.

Experience:

TikToker @schmemilyh shared her experience meeting new people and making new friends on ZoomU.

@schmemilyh

I’ve actually made so many friends off of this website lol #minitutorials #zoomuniversity #zoommeeting #quarantine @basha_battei @hunterschrock6

♬ original sound – schmemilyh