What No One Tells Parents About the Dating App Bumble

By Leah Nieman | August 30, 2018 |

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WHAT NO ONE TELLS PARENTS ABOUT THE DATING APP BUMBLE

The dating app, Bumble, is all the buzz with young adults and teens. It functions much differently than other dating apps. First, Bumble shakes up the long-written code of dating whereby men make the first move. On Bumble, women initiate contact. So, let’s take a look at the dating app Bumble and find out what’s drawing young adults and teens from other dating apps to the Bumble Hive!

BUMBLE

Age: 18+
In-App Purchases: Yes
Contains Ads: Yes

The terms for using Bumble are ages 18 and up. However, I want to note both the iOS and Android stores have the app rated for ages 17 and up. You register for an account by entering a phone number. Then you enter username, password, email, gender, birthday, city, and area. Or, you can register using your Facebook account.

As with other dating apps, Bumble is location-based. Users engage with the app by swiping profiles for other Bumble users nearby. The difference with Bumble is once a match is made, the female must initiate conversation first. Guys cannot make the first move–even when both have matched.

While Bumble is mostly known for its dating app, I want to mention Bumble also has a BFF app and a Bizz app. These don’t seem to have the popularity of the dating app, and don’t seem to be a draw for teens.

What Teens Say

The idea that girls get to make the first move is both intriguing and fun. And, oddly enough, it wasn’t girls who told me I should review this app. It was guys.

What Parents Need to Know

The dating app, Bumble, isn’t a dating app for teens. In fact, the terms clearly state the app is for users 18+. Our teens are comfortable connecting online. And, they want to be on the latest trending platforms. It’s common for them to be drawn to popular dating apps. And, our older teens will gravitate towards dating apps simply because connecting online feels normal for them. Be sure your teen understands the possible consequences of lying about their age online–both to them and to others.

The premise behind Bumble is women can set the tone of the conversation right from the start. In reading the guidelines, it’s clear the vision of Bumble is to create a place where online conversations are respectful. I applaud them for their efforts on this front. App creators can set the tone and give users guidelines. But, it’s up to users to follow the guidelines and report those who abuse them. In other words, the community needs to decide what it will and will not tolerate. Talk to your young adults about respect for self and respect for others. Be sure your young adults know dating apps are location-based.