Tinder has finally decided it's time to add the feature it has lacked for quite a while now -- video chat. The newly added feature should make virtual dates a lot better, especially at a time where it's incredibly difficult to see anyone in person.
In an announcement, Tinder revealed that it has started testing its Face to Face chat feature in several U.S. states, South Korea, Brazil, and a few other countries. Data gathered by the company led to this decision, in which 40% of GenZ members said they wanted video chats on the app, and that approximately half of its total users have indicated they had been using third-party apps to talk to their dates outside of Tinder.
Face to Face should enhance user experience on Tinder. It only works though after matching with another person, and both of you have enabled the features. Users also have the option to turn the video chat feature off, just in case they don't feel like a video chat is necessary. Additionally, both sides have to abide by the platform's ground rules that basically call for PG-rated chats without violence, harassment, and nudity, according to TechCrunch.
However, it's not clear how Tinder will be able to prevent potential harassment before it happens. Although users can leave feedback about video chats once done with the call, it's not enough assurance, its users will be safe. Ultimately, users would have to leave a video call if things are starting to take a bad turn and report a user if one is harassed or violated in any way.
Tinder's gradual rollout of the feature speaks volumes, though. It means they are aware that there's a lot to consider about video calls and chats, especially at a time where video chat platforms are being questioned about user privacy and safety. Stateside, Face to Face, is only currently available in Colorado, Illinois, Virginia, and Georgia.
While Face to Face seems like a pandemic workaround for dating, it will eventually become an essential feature for Tinder. With catfishing still rampant in the online dating scene these days, knowing that the person on the other line is not some imposter is critical.
As of this writing, Tinder has not disclosed when the feature will be rolled out for everybody. It remains to be seen as well how users would react to it, and this initial testing should provide the answers. For now, we wait.
