Couple create app keeping families together amid social distance

The couple were concerned both about sharing photos of their children on social media, and the way data is used in Facebook and Instagram's advertising algorithms.

"Being a mum, I don't want to put my kids on to Facebook and Instagram. I wanted something private, just to share with family," Mrs Alexander said.

Jen found that alternative ways of sharing their children's milestones were ineffective.

"Originally we had a shared photo stream that we had on our phones that was shared through our family."

"But some of our family couldn't access it because they had Android phones," she said.

"We had a look at other social media platforms but they didn't fit what we were after," she said.

"So, we decided to create something that was inclusive to all of our family members, and something that was private, so we can share with the family."

This was a perfect opportunity for former Brumbies and Wallabies player Ben, who is currently studying computing at ANU after retiring from rugby.

After coming up with the idea in November 2019, the couple got Fam onto the app store shortly before the new year.

The app's user base was initially growing slowly. However, social distancing measures in Australia and abroad has seen increased interest in the app.

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"It was getting a few downloads here and there. But then as some countries got into lock down we started getting more downloads in the UK and the USA," Ben said.

The app has also helped the Alexander family keep in touch with older and interstate relatives they cannot visit due to social distancing measures.

"As we can't really see [the kid's]grandparents and great grandparents, its been a great way for us to still show them what the girls are up to."

"[Relatives] can also comment on the girl's stories and photos too -we can capture those things they say forever" she said.

"I've got a techie-nanna, and she's been posting things about what she and my grandpa are doing while I can't see them," Ben said.

Fam is currently available on the App Store and will soon be available on Android.

Fam's website is famapp.com.au/.

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