Making meaningful connections during a concert isn’t particularly easy, and that goes double for EDM shows. Thumping beats, flashing lights, and perhaps some mind-expanding substances reduce interpersonal communication to smiling and dancing. If the idea of anonymously sharing sweaty body space with someone and never learning their name bums you out, Belgium’s Tomorrowland music festival has you covered, and all it takes is some high-tech wristbands.
When ravers register at the event they’ll each be given a wristband that can be linked online with a Facebook profile. Then, when two concert goers have successfully impressed each other with the traditional EDM mating ritual of slick dance moves and glow sticks, they can connect over Facebook by pressing the heart button on their wristbands at the same time.
Once the day is done, an email with all of the day’s connections will be forwarded to each partier, which should do a great job combating inevitable missed connections. Of course, it will also likely lead to some awkward online interactions between people who either don’t remember connecting with each other, or deeply regret doing so.
The funny thing is there’s no way to tell immediately if your connection went through, or if it even went to the correct person. In a crowded concert setting, it’s likely that you’re nearby someone else who is also pressing their bracelet, so the chances of errant networking is high. Oh well, the more friends the better, right?
H/T Be The Rave | Screenshot via labaliba/YouTube
