Tinder releases 'Are You Sure?' feature to stop harmful messages before they happen
Over the past few years, Tinder has stepped up its safety features — with good reason. The app, like many others, has been a tool used by criminals and abusers since its inception.
In the last year alone, Tinder has implemented several harm reduction features: their "panic button" integration with safety app Noonlight; background checks; and the AI-fueled "Does This Bother You?" prompt that pops up when a match sends them a potentially harmful message.
Now, the popular dating app is introducing a safety feature that's a first in the dating space, according to their press release: "Are You Sure?" or AYS?
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AYS?, which was announced on Thursday, is a real-time warning that, like Does This Bother You?, utilizes AI to detect inappropriate language. The machine learning was based on what members have reported in the past and, according to Tinder, will evolve and improve over time.
When a user types a message that the AI flags, the AYS? prompt pops up. It notes that what they're saying may offend their match, and asks them to pause before sending. In early testing, AYS? reduced harmful language in sent messages by more than 10 percent.
"The early results from these features show us that intervention done the right way can be really meaningful in changing behavior and building a community where everyone feels like they can be themselves," said Tracey Breeden, Head of Safety and Social Advocacy for Match Group (which owns Tinder along with other dating apps like Hinge), in the feature press release.
Further, members who saw the pop up were less likely to be reported for such messages over the following month. So Tinder hopes the warning could influence future behavior as opposed to just the one-time interaction.
Tinder also reported that since Does This Bother You? launched, reports of inappropriate messages increased 46 percent.
Scott Berkowitz, founder and president of RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network), believes with Does This Bother You? and AYS? that Tinder is working to engender a better environment for everyone. "By conveying their expectation for respectful communication," Berkowitz said in the press release, "and letting users pause a moment to rethink a message that might offend, Tinder is engaging its community to create a safer platform."
While these features will not fully solve harassment on the app — such as wrongly reporting others for supporting Black Lives Matter — this is a promising step in the right direction.
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Topics Tinder
Anna Iovine is the associate editor of features at Mashable. Previously, as the sex and relationships reporter, she covered topics ranging from dating apps to pelvic pain. Before Mashable, Anna was a social editor at VICE and freelanced for publications such as Slate and the Columbia Journalism Review. Follow her on Instagram.
