Tinder announced this week that its users can now add relationship types and pronouns to their profiles. For example, you can specify whether you’re looking for monogamous or non-monogamous relationships (or are still finding out), and list your preferred gender pronouns. Both new features are borrowed from Hinge, owned by the same parent company, which added the same profile options last year.
Tinder’s new relationship type options, fueled by growing interest in less traditional dating approaches, include monogamy, ethical non-monogamy, open relationship, polyamory and “open to explore.” The company cites a study of 4,000 young people ages 18 to 25 showing that 41 percent are open to or seeking non-monogamous hookups. Among them, open relationships (36 percent) and hierarchical polyamory (26 percent) are the most popular options. Perhaps equally critical, one survey indicated that 73 percent of young singles of any gender say they want someone who is clear about what they want. Most people don’t want to waste time with partners who have conflicting intentions.
Similarly, Tinder’s addition of pronouns can be tied to a survey revealing that 33 percent of young adults say their sexuality has become more fluid in the last three years, while 29 percent say they their gender identity is more fluid. Furthermore, he says that the LGBTQIA+ community is the fastest growing demographic on the platform. Thanks to these revelations, Tinder now allows you to select up to four pronouns from more than 15 options to display on your profile.
This follows the addition of relationship goals to the app, launched in December. That option allows users to clarify whether they want a short-term, long-term, or uncertain combination. The company says that 40 percent of its users who specify their intent say they are looking for a long-term relationship, while 13 percent say they only want a short-term connection. If nothing else, it highlights how Tinder has expanded its brand from its initial reputation as a “hookup app.”
The new features follow a grim first-quarter forecast for Tinder’s parent company, Match Group, after the app caused the company’s first quarterly revenue decline. The options also align with Tinder’s recent “Start with a Swipe” marketing campaign, which paints the app as a seamless experience that can easily lead to casual flings or more committed hookups.
