Phoonck X.

Yes- Interpals has it´s odd moments.
Yes- Interpals invites people you may can´t stand.
Yes- Interpals isn´t a safe space
Yes- Interpals app doesn´t make it better but worse.
Yes - it´s dynamics will force you to adapt or vanish.

It´s like a community brunch in a youth hostel. Everyone brings to the table what she/he/it can find and wants to offer. The provided cuttlery you better give a second clean and the plates are chipped no matter what. Tea and coffee is free, anything else is BYO (bring your own)
Take a seat, grab a chair or claim your couch.
The host is nowhere to find and guests are mimicing to run around on busy missions.
Some are talking, some are shouting, some are sitting in a corner saying nothing. Some are dumb, some eccentric, some search for world peace via google. Some have a hard plank in their trousers, some just got burned on facebook, some just enjoy their cornflakes while others already dressed up for a flirt. Some are players, some are woke, some seem still sleepy behind shades, some turning their heads for the new arrivals and some are listening music and pop a beer already... uh, right they are sitting over there, in another timezone.
But ring the porter bell and point out a scammer; by the time you grabbed your next coffee the problem will be gone.

Let´s have a look at the stickers at the entry door and have a glimpse on House Rules, Delivery-Service Menues and Questionairs laying on the counter.

You can try to search a partner for language exchange and tandem learning.
You can set age restrictions and block individuals as well as entire nations and continents.
You have to overcome the sensation of being called intolerant.
You are invited to overthink your perception and expectations of others continuosly.
Don´t bring bedbugs, don´t be a bedbug and feel free to report bedbugs.

As it doesn´t matter how thoughtful, odd, fun or silent and most of all sincere your idea of making new friends is... someone will ask you to sit next to you at one point. You can say yes, no and change seat with your "Will just grab another coffee, be back in a sec!".

And here my little comparrison ends.