"We wanted to recreate that experience"
To introduce authenticity to online dating, Tinder has rolled out a new feature called Fast Chat: Blind Date.
The feature will pair app users for a chat before they’re able to view each other’s profiles.
In a statement, Tinder said:
“Inspired by the OG way to meet someone new, usually at the hand of a meddlesome aunt or well-meaning friend, Blind Date gives the daters of today a low-pressure way to put their personality first and find a match they truly vibe with.
“The experience reflects the modern dating habits of gen Z, who value authenticity, and also taps into their 90s nostalgia with a call-back to dating in a pre-smartphone world.”
People on Tinder who try out this feature will answer a series of icebreaker questions.
Based on their responses, users will get matched and see the responses of their potential match.
They will then get placed in a timed chat, after which they can choose to match with the other person or not.
If both people swipe right, then their profiles will be revealed, including their photos.
Tinder hopes the feature will encourage users to focus more on personality than looks when searching for a match.
Kyle Miller, Tinder vice president of product innovation, said:
“There’s something really special about letting conversation introduce someone’s personality, without the preconceptions that can be made from photos.”
He added: “We’ve all seen the mix of anticipation and excitement going on a blind date brought some of our favourite movie or TV characters, and we wanted to recreate that experience for today’s generation with the Blind Date feature.
“The new Blind Date experience brings a surprisingly fun, banter-based way to interact and create connections that’s all new to Tinder.”
Blind Date is the latest addition to Tinder’s Fast Chat line-up.
Tinder says early tests of the Blind Date feature, which rolled out on February 10, 2022, have led to 40% more matches than those who used the Fast Chat feature that includes images from people’s profiles.
This suggests that people might be willing to pair with others based on personality that they might have originally overlooked.
Whether seeing the person’s profile changed the person’s mind and whether the feature leads to more dates is still unknown.
Blind Date is now available in the US and will be rolling out to Tinder members globally soon.
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