What Happens When Facebook's Dating App Asks You to Connect With Someone?
I was scrolling down my feed when a Facebook ad caught my attention. It was a heart icon followed by the message, "Find someone to connect with."
My initial thought was, "Am I not connected enough?"
But out of curiosity, I clicked and plunged down the rabbit hole. Here's what I found. The first thing I discovered is that while using Facebook's dating app, your phone's built-in screenshot will be disabled. "Taking screenshots isn't allowed by the app," a prompt said.
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I had to download a third-party screen-capturing app to get these screenshots.
I soon learned that it was a dating app, and that people looking for a date are very particular about knowing where you studied and whether you graduated.
Next, a couple of "dating tips" appeared. Rule number one: Be authentic!
Thankfully, whatever I post on the Facebook dating app will be kept a secret from my Facebook friends, unless I allow "friends of friends" to see my posts.
Facebook's wonderful algorithm then decided which of my photos are the best-looking ones to use for its dating app. It decided that this one would attract more women.
Here's a couple of legal matters to "agree" to before starting.
And then, BAM! "How tall are you?"
Some people prefer not to say how tall they are, and Facebook provided an option for them.
Next, I was asked if I have kids. There's an option for those who prefer to keep this a secret, but movies and television dramas tell us you're supposed to be honest at the beginning about this little bit of information.
According to the dating app, Facebook will match you with others using its powerful algorithm based on the things you like and interact with on the social media platform. This gets you better matches on the dating app.
Thankfully, Facebook "won't suggest current Facebook friends within Dating or notify them that you joined."
Once you click "Get Started," you will be asked who you want to be visible to, and who you want to date ("Women, Men, Everyone"). After choosing, you are taken to your Dating Profile page.
Finally, here's my dating profile page.
Since I was only checking out the app, I did not bother leaving a description of myself. Overall, the Facebook dating app is creatively made. It features events in common in which you can match with people who signed up for the same events as you have. It also has groups in common, and secret crushes where you can send notifications to your Facebook friends telling them that someone has a crush on them.
Honestly, it feels like a high school thing, but carry on, Facebook.
