“The pandemic has altered our lives in many unexpected ways, and dating has been no exception. Throughout 2020 we witnessed the rise of virtual dating, with many users globally turning to Bumble’s voice call and video chat feature to connect with their matches on a deeper level. During this time we added new features to the app based on these insights, including our COVID preferences centre which allows users to display what type of dates they are comfortable with (virtual, socially distanced, with masks etc), and we introduced the ability to send audio notes and video notes,” the spokesperson disclosed.

Related: Flirty Foodies: Date-Night Recipes to Cook With Your Partner

Matshona Dhliwayo said it best: “There are many fish in the sea”. But what if the “sea” in question isn’t the typical peaceful park or crowded dive bar where star-crossed affairs start? What if the “sea” is now the digital space where a potential partner is hiding amongst a pool of strangers?

People throng online dating apps primarily for this reason: to meet someone. It is perhaps a safe bet that apps like Bumble speed up the process of getting to know each other by putting up the idea that you and your chatmate are on the same page. 

“In Bumble, you can use our ‘lifestyle badges' feature to indicate what type of relationship you are looking for, and to look out for potential matches whose relationship goals align with your own,” McCart discloses. “You can also use Advanced Filters that allow you to go beyond the regular filters of gender, age, and distance. Looking to date someone who exercises as much as you do? Or someone who also doesn’t want kids? You can set filters for these to increase your chances of finding someone whose values align with yours."

Does he like boys? Does she like girls? Say adieu to misgendering. Dating apps have also become more inclusive. In Bumble, gender-specific interests are welcome.

“At Bumble, we are deeply committed to providing a kind and inclusive platform for everyone. We understand the impact of standing alongside the LGBTQIA+ community and making sure they are able to have a safe and empowering experience on the app. As part of our commitment, we’ve partnered with leading experts and representatives from LGBTQIA+ advocacy organisations, to help us better provide a space that makes people from all spectrums feel safe and seen,” McCart briefly explains. “We recognise there is more work to be done and hope to continue to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in the future.”

(*Note from the interviewee:  in heterosexual matches the woman must make the first move, but in same-gender matches, either person can make the first move within the 24-hour window.)

More from Tatler: SOGIE Equality Bill: Everything You Need To Know

Here’s the catch...lurking with you on dating apps are opportunistic catfishes, the scums of the internet - the potential bad news. 

For starters, ‘catfishes’ are people who pretend to be someone they're not by using profile photos that are far from their physical appearances in real life. They may either be financial scammers or online predators who are on the prowl for their next victims.

To avoid falling for their traps, use dating apps with caution. “We hold everyone on the app [Bumble] accountable and have a zero-tolerance policy for hate, aggression or bullying of any kind. Since our inception we have invested heavily in ensuring our growing community has access to the necessary tools and features to have a safe experience while our members make meaningful connections,” McCart assures.

As part of Bumble’s efforts to prevent abuse from occurring, the team has put together features that prevent catfishing: photo verification, request photo verification, and private detector. 

“These features prevent catfishing, allow our community to request for their matches to verify their identity, and stop the sharing of unsolicited, nude images. Look for the blue checkmark which means they have been verified to be a real person. voice and video calls allow people to get to know someone better before meeting IRL (in real life) without giving up their phone number or email.”

Read also: How To Safeguard Your Online Presence? Experts Weigh In On Phishing, Passwords, And More

Real-life romances and online dating experiences need not be compared nor put against each other in the first place. In the grand scheme of things, the two don't really differ, do they? How different is starting an online conversation from mustering the courage to approach an attractive person you saw in a local hangout?

Successful relationships, after all, are not measured by the way couples meet, but by the love and respect they have and develop for each other. 

“We’ve heard stories of couples who lived on the same street and went to the same coffee shop every day, but had never met until they matched on Bumble,” McCart stresses.

If you ever find yourself growing grim about the mouth, do not hesitate to find love online. Go forth, have fun, and set up that one, remarkable profile.

NOW READ

The Inevitable and Grueling Matter of the Heart: How to Deal With Breakups?

Love In The Time Of Corona: Stories Of Finding Love During The Pandemic

Bumble CEO, Whitney Wolfe Herd, Gives 'Burnt Out' Staff A Week Off