Carrier Pidge and Roost Social lead viral slow-messaging trend

A new trend in digital nostalgia is emerging with the rise of slow-messaging apps that mimic historical delivery methods. Carrier Pidge, an iOS app developed by Noah Larrobino, simulates the journey of a homing pigeon. Messages are delivered at calculated speeds based on the GPS distance between users; for example, a message traveling from New York to London can take over a day. The app includes a 0.2 percent chance of the virtual pigeon getting lost, requiring the user to purchase a replacement.

Another popular platform, Roost Social, developed by Logan Mendelsohn, is available on both iOS and Android. It allows users to send messages via various animals, including bats, penguins, and snails. While these messages are not at risk of being lost, they can take up to a month to reach their destination. Both apps tap into a growing interest in retro technology and intentional, slower forms of communication.