Having recently faced criticism for eliminating the option to use a pseudonym on its social network, Facebook has unveiled a new chat app that will enable users to connect anonymously with strangers who share interests.

The Rooms app, currently only available on iPhones, enables users to create private chat boards to discuss particular topics, share photos and links, and invite others based on common interests. Unlike Facebook, it doesnt require your real name, or track your geographical location, harkening back to the chatrooms of the early internet. Identities can even be changed from room to room.

Early users have already created rooms based on topics as diverse as beat boxing, parkour and photos of home-cooked meals. Facebook highlighted the Kicks From Above room, which showcased photographs of trainers taken in interesting places.

The rooms are designed to be customisable, with aspects such as cover photos, dominant colours, text style and even the emoji for the like button able to be changed.

“One of the things our team loves most about the internet is its potential to let us be whoever we want to be,” said Facebook in a blog post announcing the app. “It doesnt matter where you live, what you look like or how old you are – all of us are the same size and shape online.

“This can be liberating, but only if we have places that let us break away from the constraints of our everyday selves. We want the rooms you create to be freeing in this way. From unique obsessions and unconventional hobbies, to personal finance and health-related issues – you can celebrate the sides of yourself that you dont always show to your friends.”