Facebook Dating Is Officially Available: Will People Actually Use It?

Facebook Dating, Facebook's new dating feature, was officially launched on Thursday. Facebook said this new feature will connect its users, who are 18+, through similarities between them, such as their interests, location, mutual friends, groups or events.

How does Facebook Dating work?

You just have to opt-in, then set up your dating profile. Only your first name and age will be shared on your profile. You can choose whether to share other information like your gender, occupation, religion or photos.

Unlike Bumble or Tinder, there is no swiping on Facebook Dating. If you are interested in the recommended person, you can like or comment on their profile. And if you’re not, just press "X" to pass and see the next person. Facebook Dating only recommends your friends of friends, not your actual Facebook friends. However, if you have a crush on a friend on your friend's list, you can add them to your list by using the Secret Crush feature. If they also add you to their list, both of you will receive a notification.

Facebook has worked with experts to build protection features for Facebook Dating, such as blocking and reporting anyone or prohibiting someone from sending links, photos, videos, or payments in messages. The company says it wants its users to feel safe and comfortable.

How many people will actually use it?

We’re not sure about this, but Facebook Dating might be popular with older people, based on the fact that Facebook user base in the US has been getting older. Twitter users don’t seem to care.

Some users did like the gender options on Facebook Dating, including man, woman, non-binary person, trans man, and a trans woman.

Although a lot of people can’t stop making fun of Facebook Dating, it can be a great idea. The reason is that there are so many Facebook users around the world and in fact, it is based on our actual social networks in real life.

According to social psychologist William Chopik, who is also the Michigan State University’s assistant professor, based on voting data, the most common way people meet is through their friends, followed by in a social setting, such as group events or activities. He also said that Facebook's approach has a significant advantage and can be a recipe for success.

Americans may be hesitant to use Facebook Dating due to recent Facebook’s privacy issues. However, people are struggling to find the right person for them. This Facebook’s new dating feature may be just another dating app option in the US, but the most popular dating app in other countries. We don’t know yet.