LnlyPpl

Extension Popup
Add Websites
Add Friends
Change Settings
Check Your Mood
Example Text Message
The Website

Inspiration

When we get bored or lonely, we often find ourselves watching Netflix or browsing Facebook for unhealthy periods of time. We may not feel motivated enough to reach out to friends to find something to do. Wouldn't it be nice if something could do that for us?

What it does

LnlyPpl is a browser extension that keeps track of your currently opened tabs to make sure you do not get stuck in a spiral of boredom and sadness. If you reach a set time duration threshold on a website, LnlyPpl will automatically text a few of your friends so they can rescue you from your aimless Internet browsing. LnlyPpl also allows you to take a photo of yourself with a webcam and will automatically detect your emotions from the image. If it shows you aren't looking so happy, it'll text one of your friends letting them know they should cheer you up.

How we built it

We created a Google Chrome extension using the available Chrome APIs to watch open tabs and keep persistent settings synced between browsers. We used AWS's EC2 and Route 53 for hosting and DNS, SNS to send text messages, and Rekognition to determine the sentiments of the user and message friends appropriately.

Challenges we ran into

An initial lack of input validation caused issues. Google Chrome extensions did not allow for certain permissions.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

The extension is well designed and allows for user customization. All portions of the project work from front-end to back-end. Using AWS's Rekognition software was a stretch that was completed.

What we learned

We improved our knowledge of Google Chrome extensions and associated API usage. We also investigated and made use of open-source Javascript plugins to augment our interface.

What's next for LnlyPpl

Potential changes for version 2.0 would be to add a Facebook Messenger feature that scrapes messages and alerts friends upon signs of sadness or loneliness. Location services could also be used to help connect nearby LnlyPpl users.

Built With

Submitted to

CrimsonHacks 2017

Created by

I built the node.js backend to route requests to AWS and the background script for the chrome extension that tracks currently active websites.

Benjamin Romano
I set up the Chrome extension and helped design the layout and Javascript for the extension.

Cody Henderson
I constructed the initial popup for the Chrome extension and helped design the Javascript and settings.

David Lass
I implemented the facial emotion parsing feature and set up all the infrastructure for the project. I also made the landing page.

Nath Tumlin