Introducing Nextdoor, a hyperlocal social network that is playing a positive role during the coronavirus pandemic.
People forced to stay at home are increasingly relying on the social network, which connects you with those in your building and on your street. Daily usage is up some 80 per cent, as neighbors look to be connected as part of a community.
Nextdoor is free to use (and supported by advertising revenue) but you must verify who you are and where you live in the real-world.
The app originally launched in late 2011, as a virtual town square. But today, it boasts more than 260,000 neighbourhoods across the world.
Earlier this month, Nextdoor launched an interactive help map, which let people indicate if they need any help running errands or chores. Today, it is being used by communities to recommend which restaurants offer take-away food, and what precautions are being put in place in smaller towns.
The app also watches for misinformation, letting those ‘in your neighbourhood’ flag potential scams.
While the app has seen ad revenues fall, it is being looked at interestingly by local restaurants, supermarkets and government bodies.
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