Ask HN: Is Tinder-like networking based on shared interests a good idea?

I've met very few people whose interests/hobbies overlap with mine in the real world. The specific problem I have is that all my interests are either too obscure or technical.

More generally, it seems like in 2018 I should be able to find and make friends online (if we are compatible mentally). More specifically, right now you need to be "locally" present and meet in person for friendship to develop.

For example, I am interested in: => Programming Languages research => Machine Learning => Hard SF (like Greg Egan, Vernor Vinge etc) => Progressive Metal (Animals as Leaders, Guthrie Govan, Steven Wilson, Squarepusher etc)

For example, I am just about to start reading Vernor Vinge's Deepness in the Sky ― I want to be able to `match` with other people who've read it once I finish. Friendships commonly develop through shared activities, so perhaps matching people who're reading the same technical book or learning the same thing would also work. This could also potentially help introverts who prefer one-on-one interaction to hanging out in groups.

Does anyone else have this problem of not being able to find people who share your interests? Or am I the only one?

I want to know since I might be interested in building such an app. I don't want to embark on a quixotic project to solve a problem only I face.