For those of you tech savvies and app aficionados out there, the name Wigo may have already come across your radar. For everyone else, allow us to introduce you. The new app was officially “unlocked” at Penn State about two weeks ago when it received over one hundred downloads from students within the Penn State network. Launched by founder Ben Kaplan, the “Who is going out?” app was created strictly for college students and has gained popularity among the PSU population since its official launch. Still curious? Yeah, we were too. Luckily, Her Campus Penn State was able to score an interview with Mr. Kaplan to find out more about this new invention and why we should be adding it to our app collections.
HC: What inspired you to create such an app?
BK: I created Wigo in my dorm room at Holy Cross after getting frustrated that there wasn’t an efficient way to find out where my friends and classmates were going on a night out. I devised a mobile solution that would provide a simple way for students to organize their rapidly evolving social plans so that everyone could easily find out who was heading to what bar, frat party, sports game, etc.
HC: Who can use it and how do you prevent others from accessing it?
BK: The Wigo app is strictly for college students. Its student-only filter blocks all townies, adults, and other randos. If just two Wigo users report that someone doesn’t attend the school, they’re immediately investigated and kicked off the system. The Wigo team also keeps a close eye on all new users with their internal monitoring team. Photos will pop up on a dashboard and the team will flag anyone that looks suspicious.
HC: What if you don’t want certain people to know where you’re going? Can you block certain users?
BK: Wigo has private accounts, on which you must approve all follow requests and only those you accept can see your plans and contact you. Our privacy features work exactly like Instagram.
HC: What makes it better than sending a group text or creating a Facebook event?
BK: These days, Facebook group messages and events are outdated and lame. Facebook events are okay for planning next Saturday, but they suck for quickly figuring who’s going where tonight. Posting a status about where people are headed on a night out can look desperate. And I think most people would agree that group texts are annoying and inefficient.
HC: Anything else you’d like students to know about the app?
BK: We’re really excited about the recent user growth at Penn State! It’s one of the quickest growing user bases in the Northeast. It’s clear that Penn State likes to party, and Wigo is the going out app they’ve been waiting for.