The App That Brought Back the Joy of Letter Writing
Have you heard of an app called Slowly?
I hadn’t—until last year. A friend of mine, who knows me well, told me about it and said I might find it interesting. He was right. I downloaded it, gave it a try, and quickly got hooked on its unique and thoughtful concept.
Slowly is unlike most modern messaging apps. Instead of fast-paced chats and instant replies, it’s all about sending digital letters to people from around the world. Yes, actual letters—just like old-fashioned pen pals, but with a modern twist.
You can even publish what’s called an “open letter,” a kind of message in a bottle. You never know who will end up reading it. To help connect with the right audience, you can tag your letters with specific themes—like music, philosophy, travel, or books—making it easier to find people who share your interests.
Of course, like anything meaningful in life, it takes time. You’ll probably match with people you don’t really click with. And it can take weeks or even months before you find someone you genuinely connect with. But when you do? It’s completely worth it.
The Pros and Cons
There are a few features that stand out—some I really like, and others I could do without.
One thing I don’t like is the option to save and reuse text. While I get why it’s there (especially for first-time introductions), it often results in generic, copy-pasted letters. You can usually tell when someone’s just sent the same message to dozens of others. Personally, I don’t use that feature—every letter I send is written with intention, even if it’s just the first one.
On the flip side, one of my favorite things about Slowly is the way it shifts focus away from appearances. Instead of uploading real profile photos, users create a cartoon-style avatar. The entire experience is centered on your words—on what you share and how you say it. There is an option to send real photos, but it’s completely optional and only possible once both users feel comfortable.
A good letter can comfort us like a cup of warm tea
In a world driven by instant gratification, Slowly is a refreshing change. It encourages patience, reflection, and real human connection. It reminds us that sometimes, the best things take time—and that there’s still beauty in waiting.
If you’re someone who loves thoughtful conversation, storytelling, or simply wants to connect with others in a deeper, more meaningful way, I’d definitely recommend giving Slowly a try.
Who knows? Your next pen pal might be waiting for your letter right now.
A place for my Ego 