About MarkovChat

MarkovChat is a small service that connects people with similar intellectual interests. When you match with at least two other people, a private group conversation is created. You can also be matched with an existing group that has space.

FAQ

Who will I match with?

We match you with other users based on overlapping interests. You can update your interests in Settings.

When will I get matched?

You need a verified email address, matching enabled, and fewer than three ongoing conversations. Matching runs periodically. You’ll join a compatible group when there’s space, or a new group when enough compatible people are available. If email notifications are enabled, we’ll email you when you match.

How big is a group?

New groups start with at least three people and can have up to eight members. A group can continue with two members if someone leaves. If only one member remains, the group is removed.

How many conversations can I be part of?

You can be matched into up to three ongoing conversations at a time.

Can an existing group get new members?

Yes. While a group has fewer than eight members, compatible users can be matched into it automatically. People cannot join simply by opening a link.

Who can access a conversation?

Only signed-in users with verified email addresses who are active members of that specific group. New members can read the conversation’s earlier messages.

Why group conversations?

We want conversations to feel natural, like talking with friends in a café. We believe a small group chat is a good place for that kind of exchange.

Can I leave a conversation?

Yes, at any time. You’ll lose access to it and won’t be automatically matched back into the same group.

Can I remove another member?

A member can be removed if more than half of the group’s current members vote to kick them. For example, a group of four requires three votes. A successful vote permanently bans that account from that group.

Is the service secure?

Passwords are stored as hashes, email verification is required before joining conversations, and access to each conversation is checked on the server. Message contents are encrypted in storage with a key kept separately from the database. They are decrypted for group members and can be read by the service operator. This is not end-to-end encryption. Other members can also copy or share what you post. This is a personal project and has not undergone an independent security audit.

Who is behind MarkovChat?

MarkovChat is a personal project by Pontus. If you have questions, email pontus.e.oberg@gmail.com.

Manifesto

• Optimize for connection, not scrolling.
• Algorithms are important. People are more important.
• We value sound reasoning and original perspectives.
• We believe in the value of complementary minds.
• Connections are the product, not the platform.