Communication

Some female Bumble app users are purposely matching with Trump supporters to identify participants in the attack on the U.S. Capitol, and then promptly turning them into the FBI.

One Twitter user posted that she had seen dozens of rioters using dating apps in the DC area and wondered whether it would be useful to law enforcement to gather evidence from these platforms. Immigration Attorney Allison Norris responded, saying her friend was already collecting evidence against them: "She's matching with MAGA bros and they’re bragging and sending her pics and videos of them in the Capitol," she tweeted. “She's sending them to the FBI." 

Swiping through a lot of profiles quickly might seem like a benefit of online dating, but according to a new study, too many choices can lead to a “rejection mindset” for daters.

According to PsyPost.com, researchers from the Netherlands found that people tended to close themselves off when using dating apps because they get overwhelmed by the number of choices presented. A seemingly endless stream of profiles increases feelings of dissatisfaction, which in turn causes them to reject even more potential dates, especially the more they swipe.

The Lox Club officially launched this fall, but the buzz about it has been growing since the beginning of the year, with comparisons to exclusive dating app Raya.

The new members-only app accepts applications from users to join, and there’s currently thousands of people on the waiting list over the course of a couple of months, according to Jewish Insider. The company’s target market is Jewish singles looking for a different, more curated experience from a mainstream app like Tinder, but you can join even if you’re not Jewish. The tagline says the app is: “for Jews with ridiculously high standards.”

The app is similar to Raya in that you can’t just sign up, you have to be accepted. However, unlike Raya, acceptance to the club isn’t dependent on how many Instagram followers you have, (though users are required to link to their Instagram page when they join), or what you do for a living, but something more intangible - what kind of values you hold.

Dating app Hinge has rolled out some impressive new features to help users connect with matches who spark their interest, and to help them engage in conversation.

According to Adweek, the app is offering new visuals that don’t resemble a traditional dating app, intended to capture the attention of its users – specifically, hand-drawn illustrations of people, dogs and plants in a color palette of purple, green and red. These illustrated characters will also offer users prompts and tips for starting conversations. Hinge intends to create more warmth and fun to the dating app experience, which they feel will help users connect. 

My Transsexual Date, the leading online platform for transgender women and trans oriented men looking for love, is taking its web-based version to a mobile app.

The company announced that its new dating app is in development and will soon be available on both iOS and Android. It will also be connected to the dating website when it rolls out. Once the app is released, it will have the largest user base for trans daters, giving it an edge over other trans dating platforms. Currently, users can sign up online and browse via the website on their desktops or phones, but there hasn’t been a dedicated app.

The company takes security very seriously, with a moderation team that is staffed around the clock to ensure the safety of users and prevent harassment of members. Added to that, My Transsexual Date is working on a new profile verification system where members will have to take a photo or record a video to prove they are real, in order to curb the proliferation of fake profiles – a common issue among online dating platforms.

Dating app conglomerate Match Group has announced its partnership with RAINN, the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the country, to help combat sexual assault via its online dating platforms.

According to Business Insider, the company has asked RAINN (The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) to conduct a “comprehensive review” of how it handles sexual assault reporting across all of its apps, and to recommend best practices to better address the problem and keep its users safe.