GROWLR: Gay Bears Near You

Aside from the formatting of some of the features it’s definitely a good alternative if you’re a bit on the heavier side. Or even if you’re just into bigger guys. Honestly the only things I would complain about are sort of nit picky. I don’t love the color scheme, and the way you get to some of the features. I think a darker theme could be cool, like a night mode or something. Or the option to customize the color scheme or something. Just something to set this app apart a bit more. Make the other devs jealous lol idk. Honestly my primary issue right now is one I’m not sure of the cause for, but it’s probably just me. When I’m using my Data I can get on just fine. But using my moms home Wifi it won’t get off of the load screen. And I don’t have this issue with any other apps. Though, Bumble can’t locate me, and I don’t have cell service at my moms place. So I can’t just use data. So, that kinda hinders my usage of the app for the moment. But oh well I guess. That’s probably just a me problem.

This app is good for bigger guys and those that can appreciate them, lately though there’s been a little more of everything here so honestly, if you’re looking for an alternative give this app a shot. That said, the features are what you would expect for an app like this, a grid with people nearby, basic messaging, video calls, and now a great live platform. However, the messaging and photos sections of this app need A LOT of work… first thing I’d like to see is photo watermarking. If you’re going to have an explicit save function, even in private media or in messaging, a watermark is very necessary. If someone decides to run with these pics, yeah I know bad on me for putting them out in the first place, but I’d like to know if that person was at least snagging them from here, and not just a spiteful ex or something. Also multiple profile pictures would be GREAT… I’m tired of having to add more photos to my private album just for someone to ask me to unlock, thinking they’re going to get a sneaky peek and then be rude when it’s just face. The messaging is very basic, which is fine, but an aesthetic overhaul there and throughout the app would be appreciated. Especially a dark mode! I’m tired of going blind at night 😅 Aside from these complaints, this is probably one platform I actually feel accepted and comfortable on. People are generally respectful of boundaries, and it’s just a great place to chat and meet new people. 😁

So, I have liked GROWLr since I found it ages ago. It’s changed and added features and done good things. But there are some negatives too. A good thing, you can use the Meet up feature to make a connection in person. Bad, people that use it before they’ve even bothered to introduce themselves to you! Good, you can write yourself a note about someone you chat with. Bad, it’s a premium feature. And so there are positives and negatives. But now full honesty. I get msgd by way too many guys who seemingly are near me. But later they are thousands of miles away. I know that you can easily change your location, but if someone does maybe there should be an icon on their pic or profile saying they just changed it. Now this is not just a problem here. But as some other sites have done, and I don’t know how or if it is possible here, but some way to get a verified profile. It really could help with the bots and scammers! Next, the activity feed. It’s kinda cool and gives you more info, but honestly the only time I use it is when I suddenly have no messages but a red badge, I’ve learned to go there and just access the different section and then it clears. But seriously? Could we not get a different icon or something that tells you what it is and not just the same badge as a message. I like the app, and I know some folx are always gonna be new and unaware of things. So the msgs from the admins are nice. But I really wish I could opt out of or mute anything but something regarding TOS, violations, or urgent issues. Not meaning to be rude but getting the same message every Friday is kinda annoying! So hope this is helpful!