Everything
Initially announced back in May, Facebook is finally testing its new dating feature, with a release to the public imminent. While the company’s had a rocky 2018 after allowing the data of 87 million users to be harvested, it is hoped this latest offering will drive users back to the platform.
Employees have begun testing the dating feature, according to app researcher Jane Manchun Wong, who has shared several features and what the interface might look like. Wong also explains that “they also have this thing called ‘community’ specifically where users can view their mutual communities. This might be Facebook’s take on ‘Groups’ on Tinder Social”.
Facebook is internally testing Facebook Dating.
I can't go past the signup screen because they are not activating all non-employee Dating profiles because, well, it's "pre-launch" 😉 pic.twitter.com/VQFHUJIkuX
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) August 3, 2018
“Feeling anxious or not knowing what the pickup line to break the ice?” she writes. “Facebook got you, as they are working on something called ‘Conversation Starter’. A winner if you need a witty opening line, with zero creative skills.”
According to reports, the platform will not be a separate app but streamlined into the social media platform and despite privacy concerns, the dating platform revolves around safety from the start. “Once you opt-in to activating Facebook Dating, only other people who have also turned it on will be able to see you, and it won’t be shared to News Feed,” says TechCrunch.
“You can choose if friends of friends can see you or not, and Dating profiles allow non-binary and transgender and orientation options. You’ll unlock Groups or Events you’re a part of for Dating, and you’ll be able to browse potential matches based on the plethora of info Facebook knows about you. If two people express interest in each other (no swiping), they can text each other over Messenger or WhatsApp.”
If you’re sick of swiping left equalling duds, maybe Facebook Dating’s the thing to get you back in the game.
