Close
Search
Menu Menu
[gtranslate]

Facebook app ‘Sparked’ to bring kindness to dating

By
London, UK
2 energy + Add Energy
What is energy?
Want to show your appreciation? Give an article “Energy” and it will help us know what you like.
0 comments
0 comments

In a ruthless age of dating, where potential suitors are mercilessly swiped by and matches routinely ghosted, Facebook is promoting a kind approach to speed-dating with its new app ‘Sparked.’

Getting into dating these days is easier than ever, thanks to a multitude of free apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge.

However, this level of convenience and boundless choice has brought with it a wave of unsavoury dating behaviours that can make the whole process daunting and emotionally taxing for the feint hearted.

As an office with a fair amount of collective experience in the modern dating game, it’s no exaggeration when we say it can feel cutthroat.

One wrong move, whether it be inactivity, coming on too keen, a bad joke, or even an incorrect use of grammar, and you may find yourself on the digital scrapheap. Tinder vets will tell you to just dust yourself down and get on with it.

For the idealistic folk who want the benefits of digital dating without the palpable risk of being ghosted though, Facebook may just have the relaxed alternative you’ve longed for.

Image credit: Facebook

Dubbed ‘Sparked’ and developed by Facebook’s New Product Experimentation team, this app aims to take the perks of online dating while engendering a ‘kinder’ vibe than we’ve become accustomed to.

Though we’ve yet to hear a ton about Sparked, we know it will do away with swiping mechanics and direct messaging, instead focusing on face to face (cam to cam) interactions. Those who sign up will have to use their personal Facebook account, and get past an initial barrier which asks people what they believe makes them a ‘kind’ dater.

Those who successfully show their compassionate acumen – and are accepted by human reviewers – will then be privy to the app’s currently mysterious features. Initially, dating preferences (which seem pretty inclusive looking at the site) will need to be inputted and users can then start applying for four minute long speed dates.

Image credit: Facebook

If you and your date find you didn’t quite cover everything you wanted in that time to settle down together happily ever after, you can schedule in a second date for 10 minutes. Perhaps just exchange phone numbers or snaps after that, eh?

Those of you who keep up with social tech regularly are probably wondering what happened to Facebook’s last dating initiative Facebook Dating. Well, having rolled out in the US, most of Europe, and the UK, it seems Facebook now wants to appeal to those who can’t get on-board with the relentless game of dating, as well as those still engrossed in it.

Currently in its early beta phase, Sparked may soon arrive to change modern dating for the better. If it all sounds like too much of a hassle though, just keep on swiping!

Tech Editor London, UK

I’m Jamie (He/Him), the Editor in Chief at Thred. Keeping up with gaming and revolutionary technology is my forte, but when away from my keyboard, you’ll probably find me wrapped around a large Tango ice blast at the latest mediocre horror flick. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

Popular

Keep up with thred by signing up to our planet-positive newsletter!

More from thred.

Sweden says children under 2 should have zero screen time
Credit: Thred
Social

Sweden says children under 2 should have zero screen time

Swedish health authorities have issued new recommendations to restrict screen time for young people.  Sweden has made a firm statement in the ongoing debate over children and screens: for kids under two, there should be no screen time. At all. Health authorities have issued new recommendations for parents regarding screen time for young people. For ages two to five, it’s limited to an hour a day, and for children six to...

By Brighton, UK
Exclusive – how Epowar is keeping British women safe
Credit: Epowar
Technology

Exclusive – how Epowar is keeping British women safe

It’s common knowledge that misogynistic violence is an ever-worsening issue across the UK and that local authorities aren’t doing nearly enough to protect us from it. We spoke to Erin-Jane Roodt, who’s designed an innovative new app that enables us to feel less vulnerable, live our lives without fear, and, in worst-case scenarios, bring our attackers to justice. For women, it’s a no brainer: a strange man is undeniably...

By London, UK
The impact of Grindr on gay men’s mental health
Credit: Flickr
Technology

The impact of Grindr on gay men’s mental health

In the digital age, it’s assumed that dating has never been easier. Yet as the LGBTQ+ community increasingly finds itself struggling to navigate the complex landscape of these apps, many are beginning to question the psychological toll of platforms offering instant gratification. Grindr, with its three million daily active users, has revolutionised how gay men meet and interact. Its design, which sorts potential partners into a grid based on their proximity,...

By Delhi, India
TikTok seals deal with Amazon to make in-app shopping even easier
Credit: Thred
Social

TikTok seals deal with Amazon to make in-app shopping even easier

The popular video sharing app will now integrate shoppable ‘Buy with Prime’ ads directly in the TikTok app, complete with real-time delivery estimates. This new development comes as US lawmakers get closer to banning the platform. Have you ever bought something on TikTok Shop? If you haven’t, it’s likely you’ll be tempted to do so in the near future. Despite its reputation as a video-sharing app, it’s clear that users have...

By London, UK
Accessibility