Bumble BFF - whether you have heard of it, are currently using it or are thinking about taking the plunge, each dating app comes with their reputation. As reputations go, whether ranking high in the good or bad category, you probably want to know about it.
Bumble is the online dating application known as the feminist dating app, launched in December 2014 by CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd. Since then, Bumble BFF launched in 2016, and in 2021 had 45 million users who did not pay for the service.
The loneliness epidemic damaged our physical and mental health even before covid-19 arrived, making it difficult to find our clan of like-minded people. According to the 2018 Economist survey, more than two in ten adults in the United Kingdom say [they] “often feel lonely, lack companionship, or feel left out or isolated”.
Adult life can be challenging to make friends when moving to a new town, changing jobs, or your old friends have moved away or moved on.
So while Bumble BFF is not revolutionarily different to any other dating or introducing app, we can say that Bumble BFF is a refreshing way to meet new people in a wholly orthodox and in an extraordinary way.
Below is a conversation with my good friend and psychology student Adele Stephens describing and uncovering our experiences on Bumble BFF so far…
How have you found your first experience on Bumble BFF? Has it been daunting?
A: My first experience was great and no, I wouldn't say it was daunting at all. I felt a little sceptical to start with because I didn’t know how successful the app would be, but that feeling very quickly subsided.
J: My first experience on Bumble BFF was a great success. I met a girl up in London for a coffee and a walk within a museum. There were no awkward pauses or hesitations - overall it was a great first date. In general, all of the girls have been friendly, kind and up for chatting making use of the app, a positive experience.
Without going into too many specific details - why have you downloaded Bumble BFF? How has bubble BFF been helpful for you?
A: I went into the new year knowing that I wanted to make new friends and not just rely on my boyfriend's company. As funny as he is, I just wanted some quality girl time with people who had similar interests and values. I heard of Bumble for dating before, but not for making friends as well, so thought I could give it a shot. I’m well aware that some people have the opinion that finding friends online could be seen as a bit ‘sad’ but I’ve never really been one to care what people think of me. I do things my own way, at my own pace - like everyone should!
J: I downloaded the app at the beginning of the year with the intention of finding new friends, especially career-focused, hard working girls I could confide in. Having moved to a new town for a promotion and the chance to be closer to my boyfriend, I thought making friends would happen naturally without any effort or means. But as life goes, not everything comes our way without a little push, so I thought ‘I have absolutely nothing to lose’ and downloaded straight away!
How could you go out to meet strangers on the internet? Could it be too intimidating?
A: I know it might feel like a scary thing to do, but you really must give yourself the best chance to be happy in this life! It’s been really helpful because I’ve made strong connections and shared laughs with many new people. It’s given me the experiences I wanted and has added to my confidence too. I actually think it takes a lot of initiative to recognise that you would like to build more of a network for yourself and then do something about it! I’m all about accountability so as I’m talking to these girls on the app, straight away I feel positive because here’s a bunch of people who are putting themselves out there to make friends instead of sitting at home feeling lonely, not doing anything about it.
J: Within this day and age, the dating world and finding friendships have been revolutionised through technology. Although we are socialising in different methods we should use technology to our benefit! However, we should also use caution by double checking our potential new friend’s social accounts, only meeting in public settings till we feel comfortable and/or hopping on a friendly FaceTime call to double check they are who they say they are!
Who would you recommend Bumble BFF to? Can you join bumble BFF at any age?
A: Taking into consideration that you need to be at least eighteen to download Bumble BFF, I would recommend it to absolutely anyone who feels they lack good friendships in their life. Whether you’re in your twenties looking to find people to have wild nights out with, or maybe a mother in your thirties who wants to find a local friend to have coffee dates with, I think it could benefit anyone regardless of age.
J: I believe every person should have a friend network for all types of support and comfort. But while it isn’t sustainable to have ten or more best friends, Bumble offers a great start to find those individuals in your local area. I believe that age is irrelevant when wanting to find new friends, as you can restart your life anytime with tools like Bumble to help you along.
Could you join even if you were shy, or do you think it wouldn’t be beneficial for someone more on the timid side?
A: I think it is especially useful if you’re a shy person! It can be tricky to make new friends as it is, let alone if it takes you a while to come out of your shell. With Bumble BFF, it takes away any doubts you might have because everyone else is on there for the exact same reason as you - to make friends!
J: Even if you are shy, I think you can still use these introducing apps. Other features such as messaging and voice notes can help you build confidence before meeting up.
And lastly, how have you found socialising with men and women in general? Do you believe that as women we socialise in different ways?
A: This is a really interesting question for me! Throughout my life, I have naturally found it easier to talk to men. I have no idea as to why this might be! I do believe men and women socialise differently and partly to do with the maybe the different genders expect different things from their friendships. Without intending to talk on behalf of anyone, my own experience has shown that the majority of women tend to desire very deep, trusting and meaningful relationships with their friends that require a level of expressiveness and vulnerability whereas the majority of men ultimately need a laugh and a fun time above anything else. I think this reflects through communication styles. It’s an interesting topic and I think ultimately a lot of it is a result of our upbringing. I would love to see more research in this area though!
J: I have often found within my relationships that I tend to look for comfort, support and a need for quality time. I have often found that while men and women have many differences, as a woman I have craved intimate, relatable and down-to-earth friendships and prefer quality over quantity in friends.
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