• by Colin Kirkland , January 4, 2022

A new social-networking platform invites users to do the impossible: choose their own family. 

Connecting with others is the prime focus of any social network. Whether it’s friends we can’t wait to catch up with or strangers we crave some variable form of attention from -- or even family members who may annoy us with unexpected messages and tags –– they all exist in a singular digital universe.

But for those who are looking beyond their actual family, and are seeking a deeper relationship outside of the realms of romance or friendship, Choose A Family offers new connections on a familial level. 

After uploading a user profile with a headline and description of what type of familial bond you are seeking –– a sister, brother, father, mother, grandparent, for example –– users can make connections with others looking for a similar relationship.

Choose A Family’s website summarizes the type of bond that forgoes genetic material: “instead of relying on a less-than-ideal match with one’s birth father, now, people can find a new ‘father’ who has their same goals, same political and religious leanings, and maybe even the same taste in music and hobbies.”  

With the customizable family tree feature, connections can expand beyond one match, whether it's a parent seeking a brother figure for their only son or a grandmother in need of multiple grandchildren. 

Loneliness seems to be the most-cited driver of users seeking this unique platform.

The effects of loneliness and isolation have only been exacerbated by the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, during which users might have lost family members to COVID-19.

Social media has been known to have negative effects on users’ mental health –– especially younger users –– which can lead to increasing feelings of isolation and self-consciousness. Will a platform focused on garnering familial relationships be any different?

“These relationships are what make the world go round,” said founder Kim Parshley, a master certified life coach. “If I can be the catalyst for change, which brings harmony, love, hope, and support to anyone, I'd like to do that.”