LanternAn anonymous, real-time way to meet people

Core Idea ​

Instead of profiles, photos, or endless messages, Lantern uses presence. You don't browse people—you show up.

Users can turn on their Lantern at established locations like bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops to signal availability. Others nearby can see that a Lantern is lit, along with shared interests—not identities.

When you arrive at the place, you physically turn on your Lantern to confirm you're there. That signal replaces guessing, swiping, or awkward introductions. It simply says: I'm here, and I'm open to meeting.

What Lantern Is ​

• Anonymous until you choose to engage
• Anchored to real, public places
• Interest-based, not appearance-based
• Opt-in, moment-based, and temporary

Lantern is not about building a persona. It's about creating a moment.

How It Works ​

1. Choose a Place — Select from real, established venues: bars, cafés, restaurants, shops, event spaces
2. Light Your Lantern — Show you're available at that location. Add interests or intentions (conversation, company, exploring, casual hangout)
3. Stay Anonymous — No photos. No names. No direct messages. You only see interests and Lantern status
4. Arrive & Confirm — When you're physically at the venue, you raise or activate your Lantern to confirm presence
5. Meet Naturally — The Lantern acts as a consent signal. From there, the interaction happens offline, like humans have always done

Design Philosophy ​

Lantern is built on a few simple beliefs:

• Presence is more honest than profiles
• Anonymity can increase safety and curiosity
• Real places create natural boundaries
• Clear signals reduce social friction

The Lantern itself is both metaphor and mechanic: a small light that makes it easier to find one another without demanding attention.

Technical Features ​

• Privacy-First Profiles — No photos, no age display, encrypted data
• Wave-to-Meet — Real-time proximity-based connections
• Lantern Hub — See who's nearby and manage availability
• Zero-Knowledge Encryption — We literally cannot decrypt your data
• Safety Mechanics — Block functionality, SOS emergency system, safe spaces partnerships
• PWA-Enabled — Works offline, installs like a native app

Quick Links ​

• Quick Start (San Diego Pilot) ⭐ START HERE
• Environment Setup — Deployment & configuration
• Tech Stack — Vite, React, Firebase, Cloudflare
• Security Architecture — Complete security approach
• Safety Mechanics — User safety features & implementation
• Contributing — How to contribute to the project

For Stakeholders ​

• Founder Context — Your story & market positioning
• Pilot Strategy — Financial model, phases, metrics
• Economics Overview — Unit economics & pricing strategy
• Business Model — Monetization & growth strategy
• Employee Rights Charter — Constitutional rights for employee-owners
• Governance — Legal structures & mission protection

For Developers ​

• Scaffold Overview — Architecture & rationale
• Deployment Guide — Cloudflare + Firebase setup
• API Design — API patterns & conventions
• Component Standards — UI component guidelines
• Screens Organization — App structure

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