Technology
Tinder and Bumble launch ‘I’ve had a Covid vaccine’ badges to help randy users hook up without fear of catching virus
UK TINDER users will be able to display a badge on their profile to show if they’ve had their Covid-19 vaccine.
Users of Match, Hinge, Bumble, Badoo, Plenty of Fish, OurTime and Muzmatch will also be able to use the stickers as part of a partnership with the government.
Tinder users can use stickers to reveal their vaccination status[/caption]
However, the apps can’t verify whether a person using the stickers is telling the truth.
Dating app vaccine badges emerged in the US in May.
Bumble is also letting users choose pandemic dating preferences like whether they want to go for a socially distanced walk or wear masks.
Mentioning the Covid vaccine in dating app profiles has become increasingly popular.
Bumble users can set ‘Covid preferences’ ahead of dating[/caption]
Mentions of the word ‘vaccine’ in Tinder profiles were said to increase by 750% in the UK since the pandemic began.
They were at an all time high in April this year.
Renate Nyborg, General Manager EMEA at Tinder, said: “The pandemic really pushed our members to get creative to make new connections.
“Now they are ready for new social and physical experiences, with mentions of ‘cuddle’ up 23% and ‘hand holding’ by 22% in bios.
“A recent survey showed that more than half of Gen Z are only interested in dates with people who’ve had the jab, with many Tinder members using their bio as a way to share their intention to get vaccinated.
“As the UK warms up for a Summer of Love, Tinder vaccine stickers will make it both easy and fun to share your vaxing vibe, and let sparks fly IRL!”
The survey mentioned was conducted using 700 18-25 year old US adults in May 2021.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said the new dating app scheme was as an “incredible asset” to the UK’s vaccination programme.
How to stay safe on Tinder
Never give out personal information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank information, or work or home addresses.
Never respond to any request to send money, especially overseas or via wire transfer.
Keep conversations on the platform as ‘bad actors’ will try to move the conversation to text, personal email or phone conversations.
Block and report suspicious accounts.
Before meeting anyone in person, get to know users online while using the app.
Meeting up
When meeting up, always meet the person in a populated, public place – never in a private or remote location, and never at your home or apartment.
If your date pressures you, end the date and leave at once.
Tell family & friends
It’s also important to tell friends or family members of your plans and when and where you’re going.
Make sure you have your cell phone charged and with you at all times.
Organise your own transportation, especially in case things don’t work out.
Stay sober
Stay sober during the date as consumption of alcohol and/or other drugs can impair your judgement and potentially put you in danger.
It’s important to keep a clear mind and avoid anything that might place you at risk and keep an eyes on drinks which could be spiked with synthetic substances.
In the event that you feel in an unsafe territory, toggle off the “Show me on Tinder” function found under the settings page.
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, Apple is updating its new AirTag trackers to make them less creepy.
Spotify has launched a new “Only You” feature for its Android and iOS app.
And, a rejected Samsung AI assistant is causing a stir on the internet as some fans have created ‘porn’ involving the character.
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