We may be socially distant right now, but users of online dating apps have far from disconnected.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Tinder members are proving more active than ever before, with the app receiving more swipes on Sunday, March 29, than on any single day in the history of Tinder (3+ billion swipes).
And it’s not so much a physical connection that people are after, either. Recent data shows that many more users are reaching out to others with meaningful questions that show concern and care for the other’s emotional health.
According to the findings, a common opening line for chats in recent weeks has been “Are you okay?” instead of a waving emoji, and conversations, in general, are lasting substantially longer.
Daily conversations have been up an average of 20% around the world and the average length of the conversations is 25% longer. In Australia, conversations have increased by 16% and are lasting 12% longer.
The phrases “stay home”, “be safe”, “social distancing”, “how are you” and “wash your hands” are appearing more and more, and conversations around toilet paper are ensuing (despite not being the most romantic topic).
Now, in an effort to help more people around the world find a sense of connection in the chaos, Tinder is making its Passport feature free to all members until April 30. The feature was previously available only within Tinder Plus and Gold subscriptions.
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“I’m happy we’ve been able to make our Passport feature, which allows you to connect with anyone, anywhere in the world, available for free to all members,” said Elie Seidman, Tinder CEO.
“We hope our members, many of whom are anxious and looking for more human connection, can use Passport to transport themselves out of self-quarantine or isolation to anywhere in the world.
“We’re inspired by how people are using Tinder to be there for each other, and we want to fan these flames of social solidarity.”
Passport allows members to search for matches by city or to drop a pin anywhere on the world map. The user can then begin Liking, matching and chatting with Tinder members in that destination.
Users have typically employed this feature to find a match ahead of moving to or visiting a new city, but now we imagine many more will use it simply to find meaningful relations in uncertain times.
Head onto your Tinder app and update now for access to the feature now.
The current health crisis is evolving rapidly. If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.