In 2023, concepts like self-driving cars and AI-generated photos are taking over the world. Call it intimidating, but there’s no denying the cool aspect of them either. One word on everyone’s lips these days is “Bondee” – but what the heck is it?
For the unversed, Bondee is a social media app that was created by local tech company, Metadream. With customisable rooms and avatars, you can connect and interact with your friends through the app. You also “live” in a shared world environment and even become “neighbours” with them – definitely giving futuristic vibes. Think of it as The Sims meets Facebook.
Images courtesy of Rebecca Low
One major function that stands out is the personalisation of your own avatar. With many changing their avatar’s dressing to suit their daily OOTDs or to express their own style, Bondee allows users to create a miniature meta version of themselves in a virtual world.
With the app’s increasing popularity and hype in Singapore, we spoke to 8 girls to share their avatars and their favourite function on Bondee. Perhaps they would convince you to download it if you haven’t already.
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“I’ve been keen on the Metaverse for a while so it is interesting to see how it’s being incorporated with the concepts of sharing our status and live photos. I’ve been using Bondee everyday but I’m more of a casual user. My avatar is a mixture of myself and fashion inspiration I saw on my TikTok FYP and Pinterest, with my favourite item being the blue dress.
The characters and in-game items are cute and visually appealing. I like that I can obtain special items like the moon couch and rainfall ambience sounds from sailing. However, the app could improve on its user interface as some of the icons are not very intuitive. I almost deleted my whole room by accident after decorating it perfectly.
I also saw Tiktoks on how the app had a scam so I did hold back on using the app at first. After that, I saw Tiktoks that explained more on the situation. TBH I wouldn’t stay on the app if Bondee becomes a paid app, because there isn’t much incentive to stay on the app for a long period of time.”
Advice for those who are on the fence about downloading Bondee:
“It’s good to give it a try. I never thought I would like it until I downloaded it.”
– Sarah, 24
“I use Bondee at least once a day to update my status on how I’m feeling and what I’m wearing for the day. I considered myself a big fan of the app at first – I got addicted. I would visit my friends’ rooms and interact with their avatars.
I like that we can decorate our rooms in a number of ways – I can change the aesthetic and vibe. Bondee is like Snapchat – but you show how you feel through your avatar instead.
The scams did affect my decision to use the app as my privacy is of top priority. I was a little hesitant to delete it, which I did until Bondee claimed that the rumours were false. If Bondee ever were to become a paid app with a subscription fee, I would still use it if there were more features that I could do.”
Advice for those who are on the fence about downloading Bondee:
“The app can be used as an escape. If you want to know what your friends are doing and how they’re feeling in real time, download it.”
– Le Xuan, 20
“I use Bondee every two days or daily depending on my schedule. I’m definitely a fan. I downloaded it because I saw someone post about it on Tiktok!
The best feature would be the ability to interact with friends, along with being able to poke them and also customising your Bondee character. One feature I think Bondee should add would be enlarging the room space, so I can envision my future house.
When I heard about the scams, it didn’t really affect my decision, because all applications already have your data and what not, so it’s the norm for me. If Bondee becomes a paid app, my decision to stay would depend on what perks or benefits that would come with the subscription fee.”
Advice for those who are on the fence about downloading Bondee:
“Do download it. It’s fun, and the status feature is so adorable. Plus, you can make new friends there too.”
– Rachel, 20
“I have been using Bondee everyday, and I would consider myself a huge fan of the app. The social aspect of the app such as status updates, chat functions, and poking my friends are keeping me active as my friends are on it and use it to text each other.
I wish Bondee can add the feature of letting our characters hang out in the same room together instead of just leaving sticky notes.
I think Bondee is quite cute and popular because it’s like a revamped version of Facebook. People are also scared of FOMO, so everyone’s hopping on the bandwagon.
I feel like the news about the scam didn’t affect my decision because they were just rumours. I went to read the terms and conditions, and there was no way they would be able to steal our credit card information – I didn’t even input my own information into the app.
Advice for those who are on the fence about downloading Bondee:
“Just give it a chance. If you really don’t like it, then you can always just uninstall it.”
– Mai, 20
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“Before I got Bondee, I saw the customisation features and was hooked. But, I think Bondee should add a hijab option, and make the designs nice too.
Since Bondee’s a unique social media platform, it’s a new and fun concept that attracts people, plus it’s free. Recently, I got tips on how to use the sailing feature and now I’m a pro sailor. However, If Bondee becomes a paid app, I wouldn’t use it anymore.”
Advice for those who are on the fence about downloading Bondee:
“Who cares if jumping on the bandwagon is lame, you should enjoy Bondee while the hype lasts.”
– Aniyyah, 20
“I’ve been using Bondee every day since my intern introduced me to the app. I wouldn’t say I’m a big fan per se, but I do enjoy checking up on my friends’ status to see what they are doing, similar to how I would browse Instagram Stories.
I think Bondee is popular because it’s quite similar to Instagram, but with more personalised and social features. It’ll be cool to have games where you can earn money to purchase new furniture.
I won’t pay for Bondee because I don’t spend money impulsively. But I do think that there will be a number of people who are willing to pay, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Advice for those who are on the fence about downloading Bondee:
“You don’t have to feel pressured to download it, do it if you want to. It’s just for fun and I’m pretty sure this trend will die down after a while.”
– Nicole, 25
“I only started using Bondee after being recommended by my work bestie. I’m not really a big fan lah, but I enjoy using it, and I’ve been asking my close friends to download it too. I like how my friends and I are able to “live together” in a shared space, and see what they’re up to.
I love writing sticky notes and pasting them in the randomest places in my friends’ rooms – because I love the short and simple connection that Bondee allows us to have. I think Bondee should add more simple, mindless games like Flappy Bird that users can play on their own or with friends.
I’ve always wanted to live together with friends, but I can’t even afford to buy my own house now, so this is the most “economical way” to do so. If Bondee becomes a paid app, as long as the basic features remain free, I wouldn’t mind continuing to use it.”
Advice for those who are on the fence about downloading Bondee:
“Download first, think later!”
– Faith, 27
“I didn’t have the urge to get on board at first because I wasn’t sure what the “game” is about. It’s only been 3 days since downloading it but I have saved 4 room designs and 5 outfits.
While the core of Bondee isn’t new, the presentation is novel and the graphics are kinda slay. Plus, I get to try out different looks and see if I can recreate anyone famous, and to be someone I wish I dared to try.
If Bondee charges me in the future, I’m out. I don’t see any features worth paying actual money for anyway. And I’m a cheapo Singaporean.”
Advice for those who are on the fence about downloading Bondee:
“Don’t let anyone tell you which platform to be on. Trends come and go so you decide! No one should berate you for the decision you make.”
– Qian Yi, 27
Whether it be curating one’s dream life or styling it exactly like it is, each girl we spoke to proved to have different preferences and purposes on Bondee.
While the app has its shortcomings and requires improvement on some parts, one thing is clear: Bondee isn’t going anywhere for now. With its current rise in popularity, it might just become a norm, along with other social applications such as Instagram and Tiktok.
Cover: Images courtesy of Mai
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