Social media users are expressing their skepticism after Facebook announced that it would start rolling out its new dating feature in the United States.
The early resistance from users comes despite the new feature including a spate of gender identity options and preferences for trans and non-binary singletons.
The app will allow Facebook to suggest profiles to you, taking into consideration your preferences, shared interests, sexuality, and social media activity.
"Starting today, you can choose to opt into Facebook Dating and create a Dating profile (separate from your main profile)," the company .
"Facebook Dating isn’t about swiping or having to wait for someone to like you to get a first chance at reaching out. If you are interested in someone, you can comment directly on their profile or tap on the Like button to let them know.
"If you aren’t interested, you can pass on them. Facebook Dating allows you to match with friends of friends and/or people not in your friend circle."
The statement continued: "Facebook Dating won’t match you with friends, unless you choose to use Secret Crush and you both add each other to your list. All of your Dating activity will stay in Facebook Dating. It won’t be shared to the rest of Facebook."
Nervous about security? Facebook claims it has prioritised user safety from the get-go.
'Facebook Dating' includes a number of options for trans and non-binary users. Source: Facebook
"Safety, security and privacy are at the forefront of this product," the company stated.
"We worked with experts in these areas to build protections into Facebook Dating from the start, including the ability to report and block anyone; prohibiting people from sending photos, links, payments or videos in messages; and by providing easy access to safety tips."
For members of the LGBTIQ+ community, the feature allows users to choose whether they'd like to connect with 'everyone', 'all women', 'trans women', 'all men', or 'trans men'.
It is currently available in 20 countries, but hasn't been rolled out in Australia just yet: United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Suriname, Thailand, Uruguay, and Vietnam.
