Covid-19: Gay dating apps suggest ‘remote’ networking
Prominent LGBT+ dating websites are leading from the front by warning users to take precautions in the wake of the rising cases of coronavirus worldwide, amid prospects of a surge in online traffic.
A slew of apps, including Hornet, which has around 30 million regular users worldwide, have issued advisory notes on how to avoid contracting the virus, which has infected over 1,30,000 people globally and caused almost 5,000 deaths. Part of Hornet’s advice is to maintain a social network, but “remotely”.
Another platform, Scruff, which has over 15 million members worldwide, has sent out coronavirus tips from the World Health Organisation (WHO) “in chunks of 1,00,000 until all users are alerted”.
Grindr, too, has sent out a notice to its users and have also published WHO guidelines on the app.
Last week, Tinder, which has nearly six million subscribers, had issued an advisory note for users to keep in mind while swiping. “Tinder is a great place to meet new people. While we want you to continue to have fun, protecting yourself from the coronavirus is more important,” the note said.
With increasing calls for social distancing, these dating apps could, however, prove to be a lifeline for the LGBT+ community as the coronavirus crisis deepens, with the number of people moving online witnessing an uptick.
“I suspect we will see increases in traffic just like we do in the winter months,” says Sean Howell, co-founder of Hornet.
“Social and dating apps are often about meeting people (but) they’re also about having community and maintaining it online when we can’t do it in person,” he adds.
REUTERS