Stepping into adulthood often brings with it a sense of vulnerability—particularly when navigating dark streets alone at night. Fortunately, a groundbreaking free application is here to help alleviate those concerns, allowing users to virtually have friends or family accompany them on their way home. The Companion app, developed by a group of five students at the University of Michigan, is quickly gaining traction not only in the U.S. but across the globe.
How Does It Work?
Users begin by selecting a list of contacts they wish to inform prior to embarking on a solo journey. These contacts don’t need to have the app installed to participate. Once notified, friends and family receive a link to an interactive map that tracks the user’s progress to their destination. Here are some key features of the app:
- The user inputs their destination and preferred mode of transportation.
- They can choose which friends or relatives to “walk” them home virtually.
- With a single tap, users can alert friends or even local authorities.
- The app allows for a smart trigger feature, prompting contacts to check in on the user.
If the user fails to confirm their safety within 15 seconds of activating the smart trigger, the app transforms the phone into an alarm system, emitting loud noises to deter potential threats and providing options for friends and family to contact the police. In case of an emergency, if the user calls 911, the app will also notify the campus police if they are on registered university grounds.
According to recent reports, if a user’s movement patterns change—whether they stray off course, fall, or even have their headphones removed—the app will reach out to confirm their safety. If there’s no response, it will automatically dial 911.
As someone who has spent years living alone in bustling cities, I find this app incredibly reassuring. The stress of walking home in the dark, whether on a college campus or city streets, can be overwhelming. Now, as a future parent of college students, I view this app as a blessing. It proactively addresses safety concerns, providing peace of mind for both students and their families.
The best part? College students retain control over who can “walk” them home, ensuring it doesn’t become another way for parents to keep tabs on their kids. They deserve independence while having a safety net when needed. This app strikes the perfect balance.
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In summary, the Companion app is an innovative solution that empowers college students to navigate their world with confidence, while giving parents peace of mind about their safety.