Update (September 20th, 2018): Facebook launched Dating in Colombia today, inviting users over 18 to search for The One on the social media site. Facebook Dating is available on mobile only right now, but it doesn’t require users to download a separate app. If it takes off, it will likely become available to users in other markets in the future.
Previously (May 1st, 2018):
Since it was created back in 2008, Facebook has been connecting people all over the world. From sharing pictures with our friends and families to joining communities of like-minded people, the social media platform has changed the way we both form and maintain relationships. But what if Facebook could also help you find a significant other? On May 1st, at its annual Developer Conference, F8, the social network announced that it is developing a new dating feature, meaning that soon it could be the next big dating site.
The new Facebook Dating feature is set to debut later in 2018 as part of the Facebook app. According to a press release from the company, your matches within the dating profile will be determined by your common interests, mutual friends, and Groups or Events you’re both involved with. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature during his keynote address at F8, clarifying that the service will be completely optional for users.
“This is going to be for building real, long-term relationships — not just hook-ups,” Zuckerberg declared during his speech.
"Long-term relationships, not just hookups": Mark Zuckerberg announces that Facebook is getting into dating https://t.co/3TGINjlYVh pic.twitter.com/tWGPcObnP2
— CNN International (@cnni) May 1, 2018
Chief product officer Chris Cox showed the crowd a mock profile and said that users of the service would be able to message other guests of unlockable events.
“We like this by the way because it mirrors the way people actually date, which is usually at events and institutions they’re connected to,” Cox told the audience.
So, how exactly will Facebook Dating work?
Thankfully, if you’d prefer not to look for a new flame among your friends list, the Facebook team has your back. An email to HelloGiggles from Facebook spokeswoman Anna White stated that the new feature will allow users to create a separate dating profile that only displays your first name and eliminates your friends from your potential matches. Like Tinder, the dating profile’s inbox (separate from Messenger) will prohibit images from being sent during your first exchange with someone.
We’re definitely curious to see what this announcement means for the future of dating. Will this make online dating more bearable, or will we be stuck swiping right in the Tinder trenches forever? Only time will tell.
From HelloGiggles.