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Image of Mark Shapiro, founder of the LoveBomb appImage via Mark Shapiro

In a world where we’re used to leaders who don’t follow through with their promises and companies that don’t practice what they preach, Mark Shapiro and his company Digital Humanity, Inc. are a breath of fresh air. 

As a former Showtime Networks executive who started out as an intern, Mark Shapiro realized that the top-down approach in Corporate America wasn’t the type of empowering environment that motivated employees to think big. Therefore, this environment limited the flow of diverse ideas and creative innovation available to any organization.

As Mark started to release episodes of his acclaimed podcast, Are You Being Real, he was still planning to stay at Showtime. However, the idea of working for a television company despite not watching TV himself anymore, while launching a podcast about authenticity, pushed him to make a change.

Today, Mark is on a mission to spread kindness and help people build and sustain extraordinary relationships. This led him to create the LoveBomb app. Amidst the global pandemic, LoveBomb is a timely and relevant social wellness tool that solves a universal human problem. It serves to ignite connection, mitigate loneliness, and spread positivity.  More specifically, it helps you keep in touch, and stay connected to loved ones with a simple system of nurturing one important connection every day. And, Mark himself is no stranger to sending “love bombs,” or meaningful personalized video messages. He has sent over 10,000 appreciation videos to his friends and family, a habit that started as sending personalized videos to each of his 3,000 Facebook friends on their birthdays. This experience led him to TEDx stage where he gave the premiere talk on human connection in the digital age.

ENTITY Mag covers LoveBomb, an app that helps with relationship building.
Image via LoveBomb

Do you think that all social media platforms start with good intentions but inevitably lead to inauthenticity? What would you do to keep LoveBomb from becoming another inauthentic social media app? What differentiates LoveBomb?

Some tech platforms begin with good intentions, but others only want to make money off of their users by selling their data. The Netflix docudrama, The Social Dilemma exposes this reality powerfully. At LoveBomb, we really care about elevating people’s social and emotional wellness. And, we will do absolutely everything in our power to make sure the platform isn’t abused. We’ll never sell our users’ data. 

Unlike other social media platforms, LoveBomb is about the quality of relationships, not the quantity. It is about being proactive versus passive in terms of relationship building. We help users create a habit of being in touch with the people who actually matter most, not just who shows up on your feed based on some algorithm. Also, we help people craft thoughtful messages because expressing ourselves to others can be scary and tough sometimes. So, we aid our users in delivering really thoughtful messages that warm the heart. 

Additionally, LoveBomb isn’t a platform where users simply respond to social media posts that are fishing for attention and validation. LoveBomb users proactively say that they want to give a certain person their attention. This meaningful action stands out from a “like,” “comment,” or reply to an Instagram story. That’s a really big difference.

Illustration of two men arguing with a woman in the middle trying to join their speech bubbles like a plug. This shows communication is important in building relationships.
Image via LoveBomb

You are well known for sending thousands of “love bomb” videos that show your appreciation for your loved ones. However, some people may feel a little awkward about sending an out-of-nowhere display of appreciation. How do you personally get over that feeling? What would be your suggestion to others who want to send a “love bomb,” but feel a little awkward about it? 

The reality is when I started sending the personalized video messages, it was awkward, and I sucked at it. However, just like going to the gym, or forming any new habit, I got better and more comfortable over time.

I think the key factor is to not let our insecurities and fears get in the way of cultivating connection. The reality is so many of us are feeling isolated and alone, especially during this double pandemic, which is coronavirus as well as the loneliness and disconnection that comes with social distancing. We need to remember that all people are in the same boat. The feeling of how it might be awkward to reach out to someone is most likely due to social anxiety or insecurity. The reality is that it’s a gift to give somebody else your kind attention.

And, a love bomb by no means has to be a video; a love bomb is any digital expression of kindness! If you really don’t feel comfortable, or if it feels inauthentic to send a video, you can send a voice note! Or, you can just pick up the phone and call that person. You can write a handwritten note, or maybe just send a text. All of those can be really valuable.

What I recommend to people is to just get started. If you’re thinking of someone, it’s a gift to let them know! If you feel intimidated, start with a best friend or family member, and then reach out to different people you appreciate in your network. Just adhere to social cues and don’t spam people.

Nowadays, even most influencers are showing a desire to connect more meaningfully and authentically with their followers. They are trying to find ways to interact with their fans in more personal ways. Are there any influencers or celebrities that you would like to partner with in the future?

I want to partner with people who are already advocating for kindness because, in order to make the greatest impact, it’s going to require us to unite our voices and work together. 

At the top of my list is Lady Gaga who has consistently stated how kindness will heal the world. Another person I’d love to partner with is Gary Vaynerchuk. As someone who has been so vocal about the power of the hustle and doing whatever it takes in the business world, he always makes a point about the importance of kindness. I’d also love to collaborate with Maria Shriver, Jay Shetty, Prince EA, and Dr. Vivek Murthy.

I call these people “kindfluencers” because they’re not only influencers. They’re actually making a positive impact by being caring, helpful, and authentically generous. 

While I’m focused on partnering with those who are already advocating for kindness, positivity, and connection, we need all the help we can get. And, there is room for everybody! So, we’d absolutely love to welcome any other celebrity or influencer that wants to come aboard!

Illustration of a bomb that says, "you're the bomb." LoveBomb is a new relationship maintaining app.

I know you’re a great mentor to many. What do you think matters most in mentorship? Have you ever had a mentor yourself? 

A mentor is someone that is accessible, giving, and honest. What makes a great mentor is how they help you see your potential and give you the framework to achieve that potential. 

Personally, I’ve had many mentors in my life. My dad was a great mentor in terms of building relationships with clients and showing up as a leader in the community. Lewis Howes is another cherished mentor. He has always believed in me, inspired me greatly, and has provided invaluable guidance on LoveBomb. Also, Chris Lee and Michael Strasner have been mentors for me in the realm of leadership. They have supported me in terms of both showing up as the leader that I strive to be, but also in terms of creating other leaders, which is what I’ve learned to be the greatest distinction of what makes a really great leader.

ENTITY Mag shares LoveBomb's illustration of one hand holding a cell phone. Out of the phone a man is coming out and shaking hands with the other giant hand.

Mark Shapiro is dedicated to helping others make a habit of building and keeping extraordinary relationships. Now, he is taking a stand for our digital humanity with the LoveBomb app, which launched on October 21, 2020. 

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