What is a PlusOne App? How Vaa Reinvents Social Companionship

Going to a concert alone feels weird. Eating at a restaurant by yourself feels awkward. Trying a new hiking trail without a buddy feels intimidating. These feelings are normal — and they're the #1 reason people stay home instead of doing the activities they love.

The Problem: Social Anxiety About Solo Activities

A 2024 survey found that 68% of adults have skipped an activity they wanted to do because they didn't have anyone to go with. Think about that: two-thirds of adults are missing out on life because of the social pressure to not do things alone.

This isn't about introversion or social anxiety — it's about the practical reality that many activities are more enjoyable (and sometimes feel more socially acceptable) with another person.

What is a PlusOne?

In traditional terms, a "plus one" is the person you bring to a wedding or event. At Vaa, we've expanded this concept: a PlusOne is someone available to join you for any activity.

PlusOnes on Vaa can be: - Free — Many people sign up as PlusOnes simply because they also want someone to do activities with. It's mutual. - Paid — Some PlusOnes set hourly ($15-50/hr) or daily rates, turning their social availability into a side income. - In-person — Meet up for dinners, hikes, concerts, sports, shopping, or any activity - Virtual — Text chat, voice calls, or video calls for people who want virtual companionship

How It's Different from Dating Apps

This is the most important distinction: Vaa's PlusOne marketplace is not a dating app. The platform is designed exclusively for platonic social connections. There are no romantic signals, no swiping for attraction, and strict community guidelines against using the platform for dating.

The comparison is closer to a rideshare model: you have a need (wanting company for an activity), and someone provides that service (being your companion). The interaction is bounded, rated, and reviewed.

How PlusOne Works on Vaa

Finding a PlusOne 1. Browse the PlusOne directory 2. Filter by: activity type, availability (in-person/virtual), price (free/paid) 3. View profiles with bios, activities, ratings, and reviews 4. Tap "Message" to start a conversation

Becoming a PlusOne 1. Go to "Become a PlusOne" in the app 2. Set your display name, tagline, and bio 3. Select the activities you're available for 4. Choose: in-person only, virtual only, or both 5. Set your hourly/daily rate (or $0 for free) 6. Add your languages

Communication All interactions happen inside the app: - **Text messaging** for planning and coordination - **Voice calls** for quick conversations - **Video calls** for virtual hangouts

No need to exchange personal phone numbers or move to another platform.

Safety - All interactions are within the platform and can be reviewed - Rating and review system builds accountability - Report function for inappropriate behaviour - Community guidelines clearly prohibit romantic/sexual solicitation - See our Safety page for full details

Who Uses PlusOne?

• New to the city: Just moved to Toronto and don't know anyone yet
• Specific activity partner: Want to try rock climbing but none of your friends are into it
• Event companion: Have an extra ticket to a concert and need someone to go with
• Virtual friend: Working from home and just want someone to talk to during lunch
• Social entrepreneurs: Outgoing people who enjoy meeting new people and earn money doing it

The Bottom Line

PlusOne removes the single biggest barrier to living an active social life: not having someone to do things with. Whether you need a hiking buddy, a dinner companion, or just someone to chat with over video, PlusOne connects you with real people who are available and interested.

It's not about renting a friend. It's about removing the excuse that keeps you on the couch.