2018 has been a tricky one for Facebook so far. The Cambridge Analytica scandal saw people questioning how much data we are giving the social network. And then Mark Zuckerberg was grilled by senators, and mocked for his android-like gestures.
However, Zuckerberg and co. are carrying on regardless, and are busy revealing future plans for its products at the F8 developer conference. One of which is a dating feature likely to wrestle people away from all of the popular online dating apps.
Facebook Wants to Start Seeing Other People
Facebook is getting into the dating game. According to TechCrunch, in the coming months Facebook will launch a dedicated Dating page within the Facebook app. People can then opt-in, create a profile, and prepare to be matched with other Facebook users.
You’ll create a profile using just your first name, and this won’t be visible to your friends, or anyone not using the Dating feature. You’ll then unlock particular interests, and see the profiles of other people who have also unlocked those same interests.
First look at Facebook Dating.
Notice the sample profile is 36 yrs old.
Notice that "this is gonna be for building real, long-term relationships" quote.
Zuck isn't chasing Tinder or Bumble (yet) – he's after the older demo on Match & OKCupid. Remember, 54% of FB users are 35+. pic.twitter.com/zs1lGiTjC5— Jack Appleby (@JuiceboxCA) May 1, 2018
If you come across someone you’re interested in you’ll be able to view their basic profile. If you’re both interested in each other you’ll be given the opportunity to start a conversation in a special Dating inbox kept apart from Messenger and WhatsApp.
The finer details have yet to be revealed. However, suffice to say that Facebook is finally going to use those things it knows about you for your benefit. Which will make a change from using your data to sell advertising and make millions of dollars.
Mark Zuckerberg Plays Cupid With Your Data
To be fair this feels like a natural fit for the social network. People already meet, flirt, date, and/or get married through Facebook, so Zuckerberg and co. may as well play Cupid for real rather than just sit by and let it happen naturally without their involvement.
Facebook is set to start testing its Dating feature soon, and we would assume it will be fully released before the end of 2018. In the meantime, if you’re a serial online dater please do stay safe while using Tinder. And we’re not talking about contraception.
Image Credit: Chris Hood/Flickr
