How Dating Apps are Adapting to Coronavirus
Contributed by: kellyseal on Friday, April 10 2020 @ 09:47 am
Last modified on Friday, April 10 2020 @ 10:04 am
Coronavirus is affecting everyone around the world, and dating apps are pivoting to address the situation as it impacts their users.
Tinder has already put ads on its app that link to the CDC website with helpful tips on hand washing and social distancing. Grinder has also issued warnings to its users about practicing safe hygiene.
OkCupid has seen an increase in use and has added some conversational prompts related to coronavirus, since that’s what daters want to talk about the most, especially in areas like New York where the virus has hit hard.
Now another Match Group owned dating app Hinge has joined the coronavirus warning messaging, offering tips on its website and a statement to its users. "At Hinge, our users' safety is a top priority, and we want them to feel prepared during this pandemic," the company said. "We strongly encourage users to use their best judgment and be as safe as possible during this time, including following the latest guidelines from the World Health Organization [WHO]—found on our Help Center. We continue to listen closely to our community about the most supportive experience we can offer during this time."
According to an article in Newsweek[*1] , non-monogamous relationship app #Open is taking things a step further, advising its users not to meet people in person, but instead do video and phone calls to get to know them for the time-being.
“This isn't a good time to be swapping spit. We know it can be a drag being cooped up inside, but there are lots of other ways to have fun. Sexting or phone and video sex are great ways to get hot without getting sick,” said a message #Open app sent to all of its users.
#Open Co-founder David Epstein told Newsweek that dating apps “need to be more straightforward” about encouraging social distancing and avoiding meeting people in person. “Now is not the time to be making new connections,” he said.
OkCupid and Bumble have also stressed to users that they should not meet in person but instead do live video chats. However, if users are going to meet, Bumble addressed what to do in a blog post[*2] by epidemiologist Dr. Seema Yasmin. She urged daters to avoid shaking hands and to stay several feet away from each other. "If you're confined to your home for days, you certainly have more time on your hands to plan a date with someone you met on a dating app," Yasmin wrote. "But should you cancel? If you're sick, absolutely."
Still, younger daters are risking meeting new people despite the warnings. One 19-year old college student told Reuters: “I’m just not that worried. Most young people don’t get it.”
Perhaps more daters could turn to Netflix, which now offers a "watch together" feature that enables viewers in two different locations to watch the same film or show together. A virtual movie date.
Dating apps are finding ways to engage and reach out to users during the pandemic, but they are right to encourage users to exercise caution during this unprecedented time.