Over the past few years, Tinder has stepped up its safety features — with good reason. The app, like many others, has been a tool used by criminals and abusers since its inception.

 

In the last year alone, Tinder has implemented several harm reduction features: their "panic button" integration with safety app Noonlight; background checks; and the AI-fueled "Does This Bother You?" prompt that pops up when a match sends them a potentially harmful message.

 

Now, the popular dating app is introducing a safety feature that's a first in the dating space, according to their press release: "Are You Sure?" or AYS?

 

AYS?, which was announced on Thursday, is a real-time warning that, like Does This Bother You?, utilizes AI to detect inappropriate language. The machine learning was based on what members have reported in the past and, according to Tinder, will evolve and improve over time.

 

When a user types a message that the AI flags, the AYS? prompt pops up. It notes that what they're saying may offend their match, and asks them to pause before sending. In early testing, AYS? reduced harmful language in sent messages by more than 10 percent.

 

"The early results from these features show us that intervention done the right way can be really meaningful in changing behavior and building a community where everyone feels like they can be themselves," said Tracey Breeden, Head of Safety and Social Advocacy for Match Group (which owns Tinder along with other dating apps like Hinge), in the feature press release.

 

Further, members who saw the pop up were less likely to be reported for such messages over the following month. So Tinder hopes the warning could influence future behavior as opposed to just the one-time interaction.

 

Tinder also reported that since Does This Bother You? launched, reports of inappropriate messages increased 46 percent.

 

SEE ALSO: Tinder launches Vibes to give matches a chance to check their compatibility

 

Scott Berkowitz, founder and president of RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network), believes with Does This Bother You? and AYS? that Tinder is working to engender a better environment for everyone. "By conveying their expectation for respectful communication," Berkowitz said in the press release, "and letting users pause a moment to rethink a message that might offend, Tinder is engaging its community to create a safer platform."

 

While these features will not fully solve harassment on the app — such as wrongly reporting others for supporting Black Lives Matter — this is a promising step in the right direction.

 

Vocabulary

1.Launched : Introduce a new product, feature or

publication to the public for the first time

2. harassment : Aggressive pressure or bullying

3. algorithm : A set of rules to be followed in calculations

or other problem-solving operations,

especially by a computer

4. abusive : Extremely offensive and insulting.

5. anonymously : In a way that prevents a person from being

identified by name

6. haste : Excessive speed or urgency of movement or

action; hurry

7. intervention : The action or process of sorting out other

people's affairs

8. repent : Feel or express sincere regret about one's

wrongdoing.

Discussion

 

1. How confident are Tinder developers that the feature will work?

2. In what two languages has the new feature been rolled out?

3. What does the app allow users to swipe?

4. What can users exchange once a match has been established?

5. What has the app led to many people finding?