Grindr Says it Will Debut Biggest Change to Platform Ever
Contributed by: kellyseal on Monday, May 06 2024 @ 02:28 pm
Last modified on Monday, May 06 2024 @ 02:34 pm
Grindr says it will be offering the biggest change to its platform in the app’s history, describing the app’s new purpose to be a “gayborhood in your pocket.”
According to Axios, the gay dating app was under pressure from both users and investors to give a facelift to the app, which has remained essentially the same for the past few years. Arison has been teasing these changes lately, including the new feature Roam which will allow users to set a location on the app to where they are traveling, so they can match and message with people before arriving.
The new features are currently being tested and Arison plans to launch them later this year.
In the exclusive interview with Axios[*1] , Arison said that he’s looking to connect people to all kinds of resources, including restaurants and fitness and health professionals. (Axios points out that Grindr members have been using the app for purposes other than dating for years, so Arison seems to be leaning into that.)
He also told Axios that referrals for health providers and other resources it lists on its app will have a “Grindr seal of approval,” but he didn’t mention any details as to how they will be sourced and vetted. He did however say that the app will offer LGBTQ+-friendly recommendations, from GPs to therapists.
In addition, the app will offer more profile options so users can specify what they are looking for, including friendships.
Grindr will also be focusing on cities with large LGBTQ+ populations to “build curated experiences” according to The Pink News[*2] .
Arison has been bullish on using AI to build new features, as most dating apps are turning to the technology to help users with messaging, photo selection, and other tasks. Grindr is also rumored to be taking it a step further, essentially offering chatbot “AI boyfriends” which will sext, flirt, and maintain relationships with other users on a user’s behalf.
Another application of AI that Grindr has hinted at is offering users suggestions for restaurants and live music when planning a date.
Arison told Axios that Grindr will be paying attention to which AI-driven features its users gravitate to. "We need to lead them there, through the opportunity to participate in piloting features, and giving users a clear choice of whether they want to use this technology."
Arison highlighted the changes, saying in a statement: “Grindr is the connective tissue for the gay community around the world, and as we set out to fulfill our new mission, I’m excited to provide digital access to the important relationships, resources, and information that exist in so many physical Gayborhoods.”
For more on this dating app for gay men, check out our Grindr review.