Month: May 2024

Neurodiverse Dating App Mattr Launched by Former Date ‘Addict’

Posted on May 31, 2024

Mattr SocialBBC – Jamie Johnston founded Mattr, a dating app for people with ADHD and autism, after feeling addicted to the stimuli and dopamine from traditional dating apps. Launched a year ago, Mattr has 1,200 active users, mostly in east London. Johnston wanted to create a space where neurodivergent individuals feel comfortable and not judged. The app includes features like sharing neurodiversity details, daily mental health check-ins, limited matches, and verified profiles. A survey showed 94% of neurodivergent respondents felt misunderstood by other dating apps. Users appreciate the app's focus on authenticity and understanding, which helps ease anxiety and fosters genuine connections.

by Jess Warren
See full article at BBC

See the top news on Mattr

Singles Are Fed up With Dating Apps and Returning to the Real World to Meet Their Match

Posted on May 31, 2024

Online datingTHE GLOBE AND MAIL – From Gen Z to seniors, many are tired of online dating due to mind games, ghosting, rejection, scammers, and increasing costs. App downloads for Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble have declined since 2020. Pew Research Center found that 11% of hetero couples and nearly 30% of LGBTQIA+ couples met online, but many now find online dating too much work with little payoff. In response, Tinder and Bumble have added features, but user dissatisfaction persists. Speed dating and matchmaking services are making a comeback, offering real-world interactions and personalized matchmaking, often at a premium cost. This shift reflects a desire to return to more traditional dating methods.

by Samantha Edwards
See full article at The Globe and Mail

See the top news on Bumble
See the top news on Tinder
See the top news on Hinge

Dating App Salams Exposes User Data for 18 Months, Compromising Privacy of 6M Users

Posted on May 31, 2024

SalamsCYBERNEWS – Salams, a Muslim-oriented dating app, failed to protect user data, leaving it vulnerable for 18 months. Cybernews researchers found an exposed .env file with sensitive credentials, accessible since Dec 2022. The breach risked personal information, including usernames, emails, and location data. Despite the discovery on Dec 8, 2023, the file was only secured on May 20, 2024, endangering Salams' 6M users. The app was previously known as Minder.

by Vilius Petkauskas
See full article at Cybernews

See the top news on Salams

Desi App QuackQuack Rolls out Human Matchmaker Model

Posted on May 31, 2024

QuackQuack icon
BIZZBUZZ – Desi dating app, QuackQuack, has launched its latest initiative, the Human Matchmaker Model. This feature offers personalized assistance in crafting engaging profiles, drafting bios, and choosing display images. CEO Ravi Mittal stated that user feedback guided the development of this model, which includes expert dating tips, personalized match suggestions, and custom messages. QuackQuack also plans exclusive matchmaking events, giving priority access to users of the Human Matchmaker Model.

See full article at BizzBuzz

See the top news on QuackQuack

Podcast: What Makes Dating-App Raya SO Exclusive?

Posted on May 31, 2024

Raya logoZ100.iHEART – On the most recent show, Elvis Duran discussed the exclusivity of Raya, a private membership-based dating app. Known for attracting celebrities, influencers, and industry leaders, Raya's highly selective application process and committee approval create a unique space for high-profile users to connect and network, making it the ultimate platform for the elite.

by Elvis Duran
See full article at Z100

See the top news on Raya

Dating Apps Aim to Ensure Users and Investors Don’t Swipe Left

Posted on May 30, 2024

Dating-apps-connected-economyTHE TIMES – Dating apps face challenges after years of growth, with declining user numbers and management changes. Match Group's value dropped from over $40B in 2021 to $7.8B. The number of paying customers is declining by 9% in its sixth consecutive quarter. At Bumble, Lidiane Jones replaced Whitney Wolfe Herd as CEO in January. She has already laid off 350 employees. Shares in Bumble have fallen by ~30% over the past 12 months and the company is now worth $2B, down from the $13B shortly after the 2021 IPO. Mark Brooks, the CEO of Courtland Brooks, a business that provides consultancy services to online dating companies, said that a proportion of users were willing to pay a premium for dating apps. "They're leaving a lot of money on the table," he said. "There's a small portion of people who are willing to pay considerably more. Some people don’t have time, they just want dates, so the more you can help them with that, they'll pay disproportionate amounts and spend $500 a month, perhaps, which is what Tinder is playing with right now." Acquisitions also have a role to play in helping Match to grow. Hinge, bought by the group in 2018, has been an important investment. It describes itself as the app that is "designed to be deleted". Brooks said: "Theoretically they wouldn't want users to delete the apps because they're not going to get paid any more, but they’re conveying that it's the app for a high-quality experience. Hinge is important to Match. It offsets some of the decline in user weakness for Tinder. But it is still small relative to the size of the group." Others in the industry are also hoping to shake up the market. One such is Thursday. Founded by Matt McNeill Love and George Rawlings, the dating app, as its name suggests, works only on Thursdays, when it hosts singles events in various locations in cities such as London and New York.

by Emma Taggart
See full article at The Times

See the top news on Match Group              See the top news on Tinder
See the top news on Bumble                      See the top news on Hinge
See the top news on Thursday

North Star Boys Hook up With Dating App Yuzu for New Campaign

Posted on May 30, 2024

YuzuMUSIC ALLY – Yuzu is the latest app from Match Group, focusing on the Asian community, and that's reflected in one of its first music marketing partnerships. It's with North Star Boys, the Asian-American boy-band who've been building a following on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube in recent years. The campaign includes an in-app event featuring the group, themed around Asian American and Pacific Islander month, as well as a chatroom where members of North Star Boys will be dropping in.

by Stuart Dredge
See full article at Music Ally

See the top news on Match Group

Ashley Madison Thrives Despite Scandal and Documentary Revelations

Posted on May 27, 2024

Ashley MadisonFOX NEWS – Ashley Madison, a controversial dating site for married users, remains popular despite its scandalous history, as detailed in the docuseries "Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal." The series highlights the company's 2015 data breach, where hackers exposed users' identities, causing widespread upheaval. Despite this, Ashley Madison has seen an increase in membership since the documentary's release. Chief Strategy Officer Paul Keable emphasized the company's commitment to security and discretion, noting that over 50 million people have joined since the breach. Keable asserts that the documentary proves the adage "there's no such thing as bad publicity."

by Brian Flood
See full article at Fox News

See the top news on AshleyMadison

Tinder CEO Faye Iosotaluno on AI Innovations and Inclusivity in Online Dating

Posted on May 27, 2024
Tinder Faye Iosotaluno

WATSON – Faye Iosotaluno, CEO of Tinder, aims to change the perception of online dating as unromantic by leveraging AI, including an AI photo selector to help users choose suitable photos. She highlights common mistakes like poor photo choices and lengthy bios, recommending a concise 15-word bio instead. Addressing the “assumptions epidemic,” she notes that many women mistakenly believe most men on Tinder seek casual relationships, though only 29% do. Iosotaluno emphasizes that finding a partner requires time and effort, unlike instant gratification in other digital experiences. Despite claims that younger people are less romantic, surveys show a continued desire for genuine romantic relationships. Iosotaluno’s goal is to make Tinder the most modern, safe, and inclusive dating app.

by Nathalie Trappe
See full article at Watson

See the top news on Tinder

Young Women Falling out of Love With Dating Apps

Posted on May 27, 2024

Young woman on tinderFINANCIAL TIMES – Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are enhancing features and rebranding to attract more Gen Z women, addressing concerns of burnout and safety. Female users report burnout, unsolicited content, and threats, prompting improved content moderation and verification. Market shares of Match Group and Bumble have significantly dropped. New features include Bumble's "opening moves" and Tinder's AI photo selection. Bumble faced backlash for ads mocking celibacy. Both apps see a decline in active users, highlighting the challenge of engaging young women, a crucial demographic for their success.

See full article at Financial Times

See the top news on Match Group
See the top news on Bumble
See the top news on Tinder