Did Facebook just release the ‘better Tinder’ in Canada??!!
November 8, 2018 is the day that will go down in history as the date that Facebook launched its own dating platform, Facebook Dating, in Canada. WHAT?! We know, we were shocked as well.
Facebook Dating is going to be a feature in Facebook’s main app, which is more convenient than a separate app release (we feel you, our phone storage is limited too!). Interested users (18+ only!) will be able to curate a dating profile and find some matches. You can add up to 9 photos (since no one wants to talk to a bot, duh!). A fun feature that Facebook is offering as well is the option to add a couple of ice-breaker questions to your profile (there are about 20 to choose from). (Example: “What does the perfect day look like?”) If you see someone you’re interested in, you can indicate this preference and Facebook Dating will enable you to contact each other.
Sounds cool! But, what about Tinder and Bumble and Grindr and all of the other apps that we know and love?
We were wondering that as well, so we did a bit of digging into what is so unique about yet ANOTHER dating service.
Well, in today’s hook-up culture, Facebook Dating looks promising for users looking for meaningful long-term relationships (SOURCE: Wired.com). There isn’t a “swipe left, swipe right” mentality, you need to actually tap “Not Interested.” Also, no one will be starting the conversation with a boring and overused “hey,” because (similar to dating app Hinge) users will actually have to initiate the conversation by responding directly to a picture or question directly on your profile.
You’re also in luck because, unlike Tinder/Bumble/etc., the majority of people already have Facebook accounts, so ideally your pool of potential singles is MUCH larger. (Nevertheless, that is not to say that Facebook Dating will be enough to encourage Millennials/Gen Z to go back to using a social media site that is also used by their parents and extended family.)
So, I want to use Facebook Dating, but I have my MOM on Facebook. Will she see my profile? I’d be so embarrassed!
Don’t worry, you won’t see people you’re already friends with on Facebook (phew! Takes away the awkwardness of matching with your ex that you’re still friends with but don’t want to see on a dating site. However, this DOES mean if you’ve got a super-secret crush on that guy you went to high school with, you may have to get the courage to slide into his DMs yourself.), nor will you see people that you have already blocked (perfect because #ByeFelicia)! If necessary, you have the option to report or block users, just like when using your main Facebook profile.
NICE, so how does it really work?
After you’ve set up your profile, Facebook uses a unique algorithm to match you with potential dates, based on the factors that you have in common, as well as mutual friends. Potential matches have to be less than 100 different km away, but you can also specify if you only want to match with people who: live nearby, have children, share the same religion, or fit a certain age or height bracket. (HOW HIGH KEY IS THIS!!!! Instead of having to say “I’m looking for a guy over 6ft,” this dating service literally screens this factor for you!!!!)
…But, my relationship status says I’m “married” to my best friend aka housemate?! Does this mean I won’t be able to find my one true love through Facebook Dating?
…Hold on, I’m dating someone IRL but we’re not ‘Facebook official’… does this mean that people will see my profile and think that I’m single?
Have no fear. We actually got the chance to speak directly to someone from Facebook and ask them these pressing questions ourselves. Directly from the source, Facebook Dating will be separate from your main Facebook profile. If you want to use Facebook’s dating services, Facebook users can make a separate dating profile and thus be connected to other available singles. This profile will feature your age and first name associated with your Facebook account, but you will be able to fill in other information yourself: verified location, your gender, gender(s) of the people you wish to match with. You will have the option to specify your height, religion, job title, where you work, where you went to school, and if you have any children.
Alright, I’m sold, sign me up!
Are you inspired to try Facebook Dating? Do you think one of your single friends should try it so they're not constantly dealing with Tinder f*ckbois? Tag them or send them the link to this article!
Did you try Facebook Dating and find true love? Let us interview you! Know someone that has the FUNNIEST conversation screenshotted from Facebook Dating? Send it to us for a chance to be featured on Human Crossing! Did you go on a Facebook Dating date? How did it go? Let us know by sliding into our DMs, or leave a comment.
We’re super hyped to learn more about Facebook Dating (maybe even try it ourselves!). We hope that you’ve gotten something useful out of our research and we would LOVE to hear your feedback! As this feature is new to us as well, we look forward to learning more about it with you! In fact, if you're like us and some of this tech stuff is still mildly confusing to you, check out our friends at Tech Out to learn more. Do you think we left something out? Message us and let us know!
- Love, Human Crossing