EUREKALERT – In 2025, politics are reshaping how many LGBTQ+ singles, especially Gen Z, approach dating. A national study by the Kinsey Institute and DatingNews found that while most LGBTQ+ adults still feel safe dating, younger singles are feeling the pressure. Nearly half of Gen Z respondents reported discomfort with being open about their identity, with some even relocating to more LGBTQ-friendly areas or changing how they date online.
Month: June 2025
Internet Dating Jobs Listing Update – June 2025
OPW – The new Internet dating jobs listing is live on the Internet Dating Jobs blog.
Below, see a couple of this month's most interesting offers:
Bumble
Head of Strategic & Corporate Finance
Grindr
Head of Privacy
Match Group
Sr. Director, Head of Growth – BLK
ParshipMeet Group
Vice President Financial Accounting
Social Discovery Ventures
Deputy CEO, Social Discovery Ventures
Tinder
Director, Product Management
To see more open positions go here.
Do you have an idating industry job offer which is not included? Please, send it to tips@onlinepersonalswatch.com and we will add it to the list.
Hinge CEO Justin McLeod Says Dating AI Chatbots Is ‘Playing With Fire’
THE VERGE – In an interview, Hinge CEO Justin McLeod outlined how Hinge is using AI to improve matchmaking and coaching while staying firmly focused on facilitating real-world, human relationships. Hinge distinguishes itself from apps like Tinder by aiming to help users find meaningful connections, not just increase engagement. McLeod explained that Hinge pivoted in 2015 from chasing usage metrics to optimizing for successful dates, using features like the “We Met” survey to measure outcomes. The company is now applying large language models to improve profile guidance, matching algorithms, and in-app coaching, already seeing a 15% boost in matches and dates. Despite this, McLeod rejected the trend toward AI companionship, calling it “playing with fire” and likening it to emotional junk food. He emphasized that AI should be a tool to support dating, not replace it, and warned of the broader mental health risks of virtual relationships.
Hinge Is Planning Its Own Mobile Payment System to Avoid App Store Fees
THE VERGE – With its own payment system, Hinge might be able to offer lower prices and invest more in the company. Hinge co-founder and CEO Justin McLeod says he plans to introduce the alternative payment service by the end of this year.
China’ Dating Crisis: WeChat, Virtual Boyfriends, and the Gender Imbalance Behind a Growing Industry
BBC – China faces a gender imbalance with 30M more men than women, making dating particularly difficult for working-class men. The Dating Game, a documentary by Violet Du Feng, follows three men attending a dating camp led by coach Hao, who helps them craft online profiles and approach women using WeChat, China's dominant messaging platform often used for dating. The film sheds light on the broader impact of the one-child policy and economic inequality on romantic prospects. It also explores a growing digital trend: virtual boyfriends and dating simulation games, now used by ~10M women in China. These apps provide emotionally responsive, idealized male partners without the time, cost, or stress of real-life relationships.
Cerca Dating App Raises $1.6M to Match Singles Through Mutual Friends
BUSINESS INSIDER – Cerca is a new dating app founded by U.S. college students that connects users through mutual friends, aiming to create a safer, more intentional dating experience. Users see only four profiles daily and need five friends to join. The app raised $1.6M in seed funding from Corazon Capital, led by former Match Group CEO Sam Yagan. With over 20K users, Cerca emphasizes accountability, limited swipes, and in-person events to move dating beyond hookup culture.
by Sydney Bradley
See full article at Business Insider
This post also appears on InternetDatingInvestments.com
Tinder Launches Face Check in Canada to Combat Bots and Scams
IPHONE IN CANADA – Tinder has launched Face Check in Canada, a new safety feature requiring flagged users to take a video selfie to prove they’re real. The tool detects live facial movement to prevent bots, scams, and deepfakes. Accounts remain restricted until users pass the liveness check and match their profile photos.
by Usman Qureshi
See full article at iPhone Canada
Grindr Offers $300K Fertility Benefit to Support LGBTQ+ Employees
INC – Grindr is offering up to $300,000 in fertility benefits per employee every five years, covering surrogacy, IVF, and other family-building options through Carrot Fertility. The initiative, driven by CEO George Arison's personal experience, aims to support LGBTQ+ employees and attract top talent. With surrogacy costs often exceeding $125,000, the benefit addresses a major financial barrier.
Tinder Launches Double Date Feature to Boost Engagement
TECH CRUNCH – Tinder has introduced a new Double Date feature that lets users team up with friends to match and chat with other pairs. The move aims to reduce dating anxiety and appeal to Gen Z amid falling user engagement and a 5% drop in paid subscribers. Early tests showed higher messaging rates and strong interest from new and returning users. The feature, tested in select regions, will roll out globally in July.
Frolo: Building a Sustainable Community for Single Parents
LINKEDIN – Frolo is a community platform for single parents, designed to offer connection, support, and resources. Over the past year, it has shifted from relying on external investment to becoming financially self-sustaining, generating steady revenue through subscriptions and partnerships. Growth has been organic, without paid marketing, driven by word of mouth and the strength of the community. Recent developments include a new support course for single parents, a partnership with PensionBee UK, an upcoming collaboration with a global meetup company, and the expansion of Frolo Dating to include single non-parents. Frolo now reaches over 200K single parents across its app, podcast, blog, and social channels.