Matched wins Rep. Julie Johnson’s 2025 Congressional App Challenge in Texas’s 32nd District.

When asked what inspired the creation of Matched, Chloe Tao said, “The inspiration for Matched came from observing how many of my peers were struggling to form meaningful friendships in high school. Despite being ‘connected’ online through social media, many students feel lonely, anxious, and excluded in real life. I noticed that while teens spend hours scrolling, liking, and commenting, these interactions rarely lead to actual human connection. After the pandemic, the problem became even clearer. Students became used to communicating through screens and lost confidence in starting face-to-face conversations. Even after returning to school, many stayed within small social circles, unaware that dozens of potential friends with similar interests were just down the hall. That disconnect sparked my idea: what if there were an app that used technology not to replace real connections, but to create them? I wanted to design an app that encourages teens to step out of their comfort zones and meet new people who share their passions. The idea was to use the same tools that isolate us to bring us closer instead.

‘Additionally, I also care deeply about mental health awareness. Studies show that one in five teens struggles with a mental health issue, often linked to loneliness or social anxiety. By helping students form real friendships and feel like they belong, Matched could have a positive emotional impact on young people’s lives.

‘Another source of inspiration was seeing how current social media platforms are designed around comparison, popularity, and superficial interactions. I wanted to build something different, something that rewards kindness, curiosity, and shared experience, not followers or likes. Matched reflects my belief that technology should make life more human, not less. Creating it gave me hope that innovation can help address the emotional and social challenges faced by my generation.”