11 hours ago
Tinder launches new feature to go on double dates with your best mate – and it's already boosting match rates
TINDER is launching a new feature allowing singles to bring their bestie along to dates.
It's available now in the US and Brits will be able to go on double dates too from mid-July, in a bid to create more relaxed dating experiences.
The popular dating app has an estimated 50million monthly users.
Tinder says it is drawing in young people and women looking for a more social and low-pressure way of meeting people after testing the new feature.
Users who switch it on can select up to three mate to create a pair with.
Pairs can then 'swipe right', or like, other pairs on the app – with just one like per pair needed to form a match.
If there is a match, then a group chat is launched for pairs to chat with each other and set up a date.
Tinder says double dates testing in some countries and found that almost nine in ten double date profiles came from users under the age of 29.
Gen Z - typically defined as those born between 1997 and 2012 - makes up over half of Tinder's global user base.
Data from the testing stage showed women were three times more likely to like a pair than they were individual profiles, and match rates have been significantly higher for those using the feature.
And individual users sent 35 per cent more messages in double date conversations compared to typical one-on-one chats.
Tinder says nearly 15 per cent of those who accepted a double date invite were either new to Tinder or recently reactivated their profile.
The Tinder hack guaranteed to make you the most liked on the app
5 red flags that you're dating a catfish
New data has revealed that 40 per cent of us know someone who has been catfished, while 22 per cent have fallen for catfish themselves.
April Davis, founder and president of LUMA Luxury Matchmaking, has shared five key ways you can catch a catfish.
1. You can't find them online
Almost everyone has a social media presence - especially those who are willing to try dating apps. So if you can't find them anywhere online, like a Facebook, Instagram or even LinkedIn account, this could be a major red flag.
April says: 'If you're suspicious, ask to add them on Facebook or Instagram. If they refuse or the account they send you looks new, that's a red flag.'
2. Conversations got personal, quickly
Catfish are well known for 'love-bombing,' which is a form of emotional manipulation.
So, if the person you're talking to immediately goes over the top with compliments, wants to communicate all the time, and makes statements like 'I love you' within a few days of speaking, it's a big red flag.
3. They don't open up
If someone is asking a lot of questions about you but is not willing to offer up much in return, this could be a catfish red flag.
This is because these scammers are, of course, not who they say they are and it can be hard for them to keep their lies straight.
As a result, most catfishes would rather not give out any personal info at all if they can help it.
4. They ask for money
Asking for money, no matter the reason, is a huge red flag.
Whether they want a bank transfer or your credit card number, catfishes have a wide range of sob stories to tell when it's time to try to swindle you out of your cash.
5. They won't show their face
Unsurprisingly, someone who doesn't want to show who they are in a video call or real-time pictures could be a catfish.
The last thing a catfish wants is for you to see their real face because they usually steal pictures from someone else to use.
This means they are likely to refuse to send photos or do video calls.
