GMA Logo Tinder Bumble encourage people to try virtual dating from home
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Romance in the time of coronavirus: Try virtual dating

By Patricia Isabella Romarate
Published March 27, 2020 2:42 PM PHT
Updated March 27, 2020 2:52 PM PHT

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Tinder Bumble encourage people to try virtual dating from home


These dating apps will roll out a free feature that will allow you to reach people in far away places so that you don't have to go out of your house to find a match.

With a global pandemic requires everyone to go into self-isolation and practice physical distancing, the only safe space for dating can be found on social media, particularly dating apps.

Two popular dating apps share the same idea when it comes to dating in the time of coronavirus.

Tinder said in a tweet that “Social distancing doesn't have to mean disconnecting.”

So, in an effort to keep social interaction, Tinder will make its Passport, which was originally a paid feature of the app, free for all its members.

Passport now lets you search by city or drop a pin on the map to find a match around the globe.

When will this free feature available? According to its website, Tinder will roll out this feature "starting next week" and that it is "offering this feature to everyone, everywhere through April 30th."

Bumble, on the other hand, encourages its community to “please date virtually for now” as the coronavirus ravage many countries around the world.

Virtual Tour: Travel around the world from the comfort of your home

Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder and CEO of Bumble, said, “We want to help you stay connected, even when physically apart.

“Even if you're feeling well, you could be unknowingly spreading the virus by meeting IRL,” she added.

“And please don't meet your Bumble matches in person until further notice.”

Herd also reminded its community to follow the advice of the local and national health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Bumble listed 15 virtual date ideas on its website you might want to try.

It's time to take dates digital. 💛 Right now, we're committed to powering positive and healthy *virtual* connections. That means staying safe -- and, as much as possible, staying home. (Bumble's video chat is our new best friend during these times!) Stay tuned for ongoing tips about how to connect safely. We'd love to hear what's on your mind. Feel free to drop a comment 👇 or head to our Instagram Stories to share any questions or feedback about virtual dating.☝️

A post shared by Bumble (@bumble) on

Stay safe, mga Kapuso!

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