The hit social media from the 2000s, Friendster, is back, and it’s available to download in the iOS devices, at least for now.

The new Friendster app has no ads and no algorithms to push content into your feed. It’s designed to give users real connection with other people. The only way you can add a person to be your friend is to touch phones physically. Yes, as in, they have to stand in front of you and tap phones.

This way, you have a social media platform that really focuses on you and your friends. Strangers cannot ask to be added online. The absence of ads, algorithms, and a limited way to add and accept friend requests mean the absence of virality.

Other features include “Friend of Friends,” which allow users to see messages from mutual friends, and the idea behind this is to encourage friends to all go outside and touch grass. Okay, sorry, no shade! I meant, go out and hang out.

There is another feature called “Fading Connections.” If friends haven’t touched phones within a year, the “link” between them weakens. A little vague there, buddy. But we can speculate that it might mean seeing their posts a little less?

Now for the tough question: Why?

People have group chats in places like Messenger or Discord. Why would they consider signing up in Friendster and with less features than what the current top apps have? Perhaps, it would appeal to people who wish to detox from social media in general, and would prefer to keep their profiles tight. Messenger and Discord are chaotic in their own ways, with different groups and servers. But in Friendster? It would be with people you actively chose to be close with. The app can also be used for special gatherings or travels where you meet other people but don’t want to add more in other apps. This makes the new Friendster app a very niche product.

Mike Carson, the entrepreneur who acquired the Friendster domain and brand in 2024-2025, said that social networking has been fostering negativity, and from there he wanted to create something positive and people would enjoy, and that Friendster has been a positive experience for him.

Carson added that tapping phones is fun and encourages people to meet, but more than that, it verifies the person you’re connecting with is a real person.

Since the new Friendster app will not support ads, maintaining the platform will be another challenge to take on. Carson said he’s still thinking on this, mentioning he might include a paid membership that would include perks. He also mentioned he doesn’t care if the platform makes money, but that he only hopes it would eventually pay for itself.

For those nostalgic and those looking to detox and keep their friends closer, would need an iOS device. Those who want to explore this new Friendster and want to give it a shot, it’s free to download in the App Store.