If, like us, you opted out of socialising this weekend in favour of binge-watching Chelsea Handler’s new Netflix series ‘Chelsea Does…’ then you probably also had a serious ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ moment.
In episode two, ‘Chelsea Does Silicon Valley’, the US comedian and self-confessed Luddite heads to the centre of the tech world (side note: it’s silicon, not silicone) to put her idea for an app into motion; one that can get you out of a sticky situation with a tap of your touchscreen.
Named Gotta Go!, it will send you a series of ‘rescue’ texts or call you at a predetermined time so that you have an excuse to leave sharpish. Genius, no?
It comes with a number of preset excuses, for example: ‘your dog’s got out of the yard’, but you can also create your own. You then assign it to the contact you want to appear to text or call you, assign an emoji and add to the app home screen for quick access next time. Et voila, you need never be stuck in an awkward encounter again. So simple, so annoying that we didn't think of it first.
Sadly, it’s not yet available in the UK but we’re mounting a campaign to make this happen.
In the meantime, we suggest you head to Netflix and digest Handler's irreverent take on marriage, drugs and racism too. You won't regret it.
Image: Gotta Go!
Bibby was ELLE's former Digital News & Features Editor.
