Just when you thought 2020 had peaked.
Facebook Dating, the social media giant’s answer to Tinder and other dating apps, has launched in Ireland today (22 October).
Initially due to be rolled out on Valentine’s Day this year, the dating service will now be available as an option on the Facebook menu bar on mobile.
The dating service is created from your own profile and tailors matches with your preferences, Facebook activity, and, if you opt in to certain groups and events.
Facebook has said the service has created 1.5 billion matches in the 20 countries where the feature is already available.
“We won’t suggest current Facebook friends as potential matches or notify them that you’ve joined Dating,” Facebook said in a statement.
“For example, your Dating profile, Dating messages, and who you like or match with in Dating won’t appear on your Facebook News Feed.
“We’re committed to making Facebook Dating a place where people feel comfortable looking for a date and starting meaningful relationships.”
However, if you do have a friend you’re interested in, the Secret Crush feature lets you explore potential relationships with people you already know on Facebook and/or Instagram.
If you choose to use Secret Crush, you can select up to nine of your Facebook friends or Instagram followers who you’re interested in. If your crush adds you to their Secret Crush list too, it’s a match. But if the person is not on Facebook Dating or doesn’t add you to their list, then they won’t be informed you picked them.
Facebook Dating was already available in 20 countries, including the US, but today’s launch will see it available in 32 more countries, including our fair island.
