What the heck is Bumble?
Bumble is an online dating app that was launched by a former Tinder co-founder, Whitney Wolfe Herd, in 2014. Wolfe Herd exited Tinder after she sued the tech company for sexual discrimination and harassment, and subsequently received a settlement of over $1million in September 2014. Although the app took off in the US and Europe, it is just starting to catch on in Mzansi now.
How does it work?
Just like Tinder, users must swipe right to like a match, or swipe left to reject. However, unlike Tinder, once a match is made between a man and woman, the woman has 24 hours to make conversation, or the match will be lost. The male match is then also given 24 hours to respond, in order to avoid losing the match.
If making the first move freaks you out, don't stress because Bumble provides women with a list of really clever one-liners and conversation openers to break the ice between you and your match. The app is also geared at same-sex relationships and also has a feature called Bumble BFF where you can 'swipe right' to make new friends within your area.
What makes it better than Tinder?
I recently took both apps for a test drive, and this is why I prefer Bumble:
- To be blunt, by design, Tinder is for casual hookups. Period. If that's what you're looking for it's perfect. But if you're looking for something slightly more serious, then Bumble is for you.
- The calibre of men is higher than that of Tinder. Think Doctors, tech startup founders, actors, and more. So, if you're a girl boss who is looking to go on a date with someone that's equally as driven and successful as you are, then download the app now.
- Unlike Tinder, Bumble requires users to list their height, religion, qualifications, as well as their drinking and smoking habits. The app also allows you to choose up to three filters to only show matches that fit your criteria. For example, if you are 172cm, you're probably not going to want to date a man who is 169cm, so the app helps you weed out men who don't meet your height requirements.
- You can match with ten people on Tinder, but you may only end up talking to only one of your matches. On Bumble you're pretty much forced to interact with your match to avoid losing them forever. So, you're able to make more meaningful connections.
