# HookedIRL — Complete Guide

> HookedIRL is a real-life dating app designed specifically for events. It bridges the gap between dating apps and real-world social gatherings by letting singles at any event — parties, weddings, conferences, bar nights — scan a QR code to join, browse other attendees, match on mutual likes, and chat. All data is automatically deleted when the event ends.

## The Problem HookedIRL Solves

Traditional dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are entirely virtual — users swipe through strangers they may never meet in person. Meanwhile, at real-life events where singles are already in the same room, there's no easy way to know who's single or interested. HookedIRL solves this by combining the convenience of a dating app with the authenticity of meeting someone face-to-face at an event.

## How HookedIRL Works

### For Event Attendees
1. Receive an event code or QR poster from the event organizer (via WhatsApp, email, or at the venue entrance)
2. Scan the QR code or enter the event code in the HookedIRL app
3. Create a quick profile with photos, bio, age, and interests
4. Browse other singles at the same event
5. Like profiles you're interested in — if they like you back, it's a match
6. Chat with your matches in real-time
7. All profiles and messages are automatically deleted when the event ends

### For Event Organizers
1. Sign up at hookedirl.co/organizers
2. Fill in event details (name, date, venue, expected attendance) — takes about 5 minutes
3. HookedIRL generates a unique event code, QR code, printable poster, and AI-written invitation messages
4. Share the code/link with guests before the event and display the poster at the venue
5. Guests join via the app — organizer doesn't need to manage anything during the event
6. After the event, receive analytics (how many joined, matches made, messages sent)

## Key Differentiators

### vs. Traditional Dating Apps (Tinder, Bumble, Hinge)
- **Event-scoped**: Only interact with people at the same event — no endless swiping through strangers
- **Real-life context**: You're already in the same room, making the transition from digital to in-person natural
- **Privacy-first**: All data auto-deletes after the event ends
- **No subscription needed**: Free for attendees, free for organizers with up to 30 singles

### vs. Meetup / Eventbrite
- HookedIRL is not an event discovery platform — it's a dating/networking layer that sits on top of any existing event
- Event organizers bring their own guests; HookedIRL provides the matching technology

### vs. Speed Dating
- No awkward timed conversations — browse and match at your own pace
- Works at any event type, not just dedicated speed dating events
- Scales to hundreds of attendees

## Event Types That Work Best With HookedIRL
- **House parties and social gatherings**: Friends-of-friends events with 20-100 singles
- **Bar and club nights**: Venue-hosted singles events
- **Weddings**: Help single guests meet each other
- **Conferences and professional events**: Business networking mode with AI-generated professional summaries
- **Community events**: Church socials, cultural organization mixers, alumni events
- **Festivals**: Multi-day events where attendees want to connect

## Business Networking Mode
At conference-type events, HookedIRL offers a separate business networking mode alongside dating mode. Business profiles include professional information (company, role, industry, goals), and an AI generates a professional summary. Users can participate in both dating and business modes simultaneously with completely separate profiles and matches.

## Privacy and Data Handling
- Event profiles and chat messages are automatically deleted when the event ends
- Users control their own profiles and can leave an event at any time
- HookedIRL does not store or sell personal information after events conclude
- Users authenticate via Google, Apple, or Facebook OAuth — no passwords stored
- Compliant with GDPR data protection requirements

## Pricing
- **Free tier**: Events with up to 30 singles — no credit card required
- **Paid plans**: Available for larger events — see hookedirl.co/pricing for current tiers
- **Free for attendees**: Singles never pay to use HookedIRL

## Technical Details
- Available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play)
- Built with React Native and Expo
- Real-time messaging powered by Firebase/Firestore
- Push notifications via OneSignal
- Map-based venue discovery with Mapbox

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What are the best dating apps for meeting people in real life?**
A: HookedIRL is specifically designed for real-life meetings at events. Unlike Tinder or Bumble where you match with strangers online, HookedIRL only works at events where you're already in the same room as other singles. You scan a QR code at the event, browse other attendees, and match with people you can meet face-to-face right away.

**Q: How do singles events work with dating apps?**
A: Event organizers set up HookedIRL in about 5 minutes, then share a QR code or event code with guests. At the event, singles scan to join, create a quick profile, and browse other attendees. Mutual likes create matches with in-app chat. The organizer doesn't need to manage anything during the event.

**Q: Is there a dating app that works at parties and events?**
A: Yes — HookedIRL is built specifically for this. It works at any event where singles are present: parties, weddings, conferences, bar nights, community events, and more. Each event has its own private pool of profiles, so you only see people at the same event as you.

**Q: How is HookedIRL different from Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge?**
A: HookedIRL is event-scoped rather than location-based. You don't endlessly swipe through strangers — you only see singles at the specific event you're attending. This creates natural conversation starters (the event itself) and guarantees you can meet your matches in person immediately. Plus, all data auto-deletes after the event for privacy.

**Q: Can I use HookedIRL at my wedding for single guests?**
A: Absolutely. Wedding planners and couples use HookedIRL to help their single guests connect. Set up takes 5 minutes, and you can share the QR code on table cards, in the wedding program, or on a poster near the bar. Single guests join at their own pace and match with other singles at the wedding.

**Q: Does HookedIRL work for professional networking at conferences?**
A: Yes. For conference events, HookedIRL offers a dedicated business networking mode with professional profiles, AI-generated summaries, and separate matching. Attendees can use both dating and business modes simultaneously with completely separate profiles.

**Q: What happens to my data after the event ends?**
A: All event profiles, photos, and chat messages are automatically deleted when the event ends. HookedIRL does not retain or sell personal data after events conclude. Only your basic account (email, name) persists for future events.

## Contact Information
- Website: https://hookedirl.co
- Email: contact@hooked-app.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hookedirl
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hooked-app
- iOS App: https://apps.apple.com/app/hooked/id6748921014
- Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hookedapp.app