Bumble: Challenging Norms or Maintaining Them?
The first dating app up in The State of Dating Apps Series, Bumble!
Bumble’s name originated from Queen Bees, which also matches much of its founding principle. While Bumble has grown its platform for users to find friends and network, it originally was intended to “challenge outdated heterosexual norms” so that “women make the first move.” While founded on breaking gender roles, I find that it still prioritizes a cisgender, heterosexual connection (despite offering a non-binary option launched in 2022).
Bumble is a widely accessible app with over 45 million users worldwide, of which 1.5 million subscribe to premium features (Business of Apps, 2022; WebTribunal, 2022). The average user is 26 years old and the male-to-female ratio is 65:34. At the time of this post, there was no data regarding other genders available.
It offers features like “snoozing” when you’re wanting to take a break from dating, photo verification, and blurring potential NSFW-images.
The lines between Community and Safety Guidelines were blurry, and I found myself clicking additional links to get more info (how many users are likely to do this 🤷🏻♀️). Bumble does have a “Block and Report” feature with a turnaround review time of 48 hours, but it doesn’t necessarily mean action will be taken. Bumble makes a statement against “hate speech, rude or abusive behavior, bullying, and misogyny.” It also has a rule against body shaming.
Speaking of body shaming, Bumble has strict photo guidelines that include no underwear, no shirtless mirror selfies, and no swimwear worn indoors. I realize this probably makes it easier for their AI to manage NSFW content, it does come across as body shaming. What’s the difference between a photo of someone wearing a swimsuit inside vs. outside (hint: this all boils down to sex negativity).
Bumble is popular & has some decent features, but when we look at the offerings in comparison to their guidelines, it seems like an app that is desperately trying to appear current & inclusive without eliminating their binary messaging.