Zug, 20.07.2020

Take a seat on a virtual park bench

What used to be commonplace, a short chat between two people, has experienced a renaissance. With modern means.

Stefan Born (57) has a goal. He wants to connect people by means of a recently realised website www.coontact.ch. But not in the way that apps such as Tinder and the others do. He wants the people to actually talk to each other. He’s doing this without the thought of making a profit, simply out of love of people. "I’ve been involved with this project for some time now," says Stefan Born, who heads the Raiffeisen Business Centre in Baar.

As a mediator and communication coach, Stefan Born repeatedly noted how short, spontaneous conversations between people who meet by chance are now becoming neglected. "But they are an essential part of life," he explains. In the past, i.e. well before the limitations imposed by the corona virus, people could meet while shopping, in the stairwell or walking, and would briefly chat, typical small talk. "It's becoming harder and harder today," says Born. On the one hand, due to the currently restricted freedom, and, on the other, because time is now in short supply in a modern society dominated by a hectic everyday life.

"But there are people who miss this exchange. It doesn't matter whether they’re young or old - access is intended for everyone," says Born. He could imagine that people who feel alone could find someone to chat to here. Or those who want to give their time in order to do something good for someone. Or simply to learn how to express oneself in a foreign language.

Screenshot of the website www.coontact.ch
Mediator and communication coach Stefan Born, founder of coontact.ch.

"Coontact is not a dating platform," emphasises Stefan Born. A permanent friendship with letters or telephone calls could arise from a contact - but doesn’t have to. "For me, this is a kind of virtual park bench. You sit down, chat, and then do something else, or simply go on your way. Completely uncomplicated and without obligations," says the founder.

"That's why I was looking for a way to revive the short chat," says Stefan Born. And to do this using the means available to a modern society. The basic question was how people could be supported in this. His website now offers support, so that people can connect with each other. "I want to make it possible to chat by phone or e-mail. And this in a very uncomplicated way and in the desired language. It is also possible to establish contacts across national borders," explains the Coontact founder.

This works in a relatively straightforward way. You can register for free on the website, but you only need to give a few personal details. After obtaining the login, you can define your preferences. "That means the channel by you would like to be contacted. The first contact can take place by phone, text message or e-mail," explains Born. The specially programmed random generator then selects a conversation partner. "Only this person will receive the respective contact details," assures Born.

It was important to him that Coontact had absolutely no economic interests, and he made the initial investment from his own pocket. At most, it is conceivable that a sponsor could be found for the running costs, but he doesn’t want to make a profit. But it’s far more important for Stefan Born that everyone should adhere to the only rule of the game for Coontact: "Every contact, whether short or long, should be based on interest and mutual appreciation." The participants confirm this when registering.

The website has now been online for four weeks, and Coontact has registered more than 100 applications during this time. Stefan Born has apparently hit the nail on the head with his offer.