Aussie users on the dating app Hinge can now share their vaccination status on their profiles.
The new feature means that users can put whether they’re fully or partly vaccinated, not yet vaccinated, or if they prefer not to say. Globally, Hinge research shows that users who have “vaccinated” displayed on their profile receive 30 per cent more matches.
Simiarly, Tinder has also introduced an in-app vaccine feature with both stickers and resources.
Hinge’s director of relationship science, Logan Ury (pictured below), spoke to B&T about Hinge’s decision to include vaccine stats. 
“With Covid being top of mind for many singles, health and safety is more important than ever in the world of dating,” she explained.
“Allowing users to show their vaccination status is an important step in helping singles feel comfortable getting back into dating. At Hinge, we’ve found that users who indicate that they’re vaccinated receive 30 per cent more matches.”
Ury explained that 76 per cent of Hinge users were keen to discuss COVID safety with potential matches, with the ultimate goal of meeting up in person when it’s safe to do so. Plus, over half of users said they wanted to go on more in-person dated after they’ve been vaccinated and lockdowns are lift.
Hinge is also offering users the chance to connect in alternative ways.
“People are craving connection, and Hinge is helping users across the world match with new people, enjoy interesting conversations, and find the right relationship,” said Ury.
“One main innovation that kept dating alive during lockdown is the emergence of video dating. Video dates are a new way for singles to test the waters and take part in a ‘virtual vibe check’ before committing to meeting a match in-person.”
“Through our research, we found that the top reason why some singles were nervous to try a virtual date is because they feared it would be too awkward. That’s why Hinge also launched Video Prompts — a first-of-its-kind video chat experience that helps daters kickstart their conversation.Video prompts are sets of questions, from ice breakers to a virtual scavenger hunt, that help matches get a sense of their compatibility.”
“And we believe that video chat is here to stay. More than half (52 per cent) of users who have gone on a virtual date say they’ll continue going on them even after it’s safe again to go on in-person dates.”
Ultimately, she said, “the health and safety of our community is our top priority. As the dating app ‘designed to be deleted,’ Hinge is excited to help get its community back out on dates, so they can find love and delete the app.”
