6 Reasons Why Bumble BFF Isn’t a Good Way to Make Friends Online
Bumble advertises BFF as the go-to friendship platform for finding new friends. It works the same way as standard Bumble. You swipe left to reject and right to like—you’ll match with other users who also swipe right on your profile.
The concept is wholesome, but many feel Bumble executed the BFF mode poorly. Here are several reasons Bumble BFF isn’t a good way to make friends online.
1. Many Are Still Looking For Romantic Partners
Consenting adults are free to date whomever they want. But joining non-dating apps to find partners looks creepy and ruins the experience for others.
Unfortunately, this issue is common on BFF. Many users primarily want romantic partners, not friends. They switch from Bumble Date to BFF in hopes that the latter offers a new, less intimidating pool of prospects.
There’s nothing wrong with a friendship-first approach to dating, but all parties must be upfront with their intentions.
2. The Platform Only Pairs You With Users of the Same Gender
Bumble BFF limits who you can match with—you’ll only see users who register under the same gender identity.
Many disapprove of this feature. While Bumble offers inclusive gender identity options, it shouldn’t filter friend requests based on these.
Society has differing opinions on opposite-sex friendships. Some only feel comfortable talking to those with the same gender, while others believe they can befriend anyone regardless of gender. Either way, everyone deserves to choose who they want to befriend.
3. Gender Filtering Doesn’t Prevent Harassment and Scams
Bumble BFF enforces same-gender matches to combat unsolicited dating requests. It knows that creeps abuse non-dating platforms.
The idea is nice, but it’s executed terribly. Unwarranted advances can come from anyone, regardless of their gender identity and sexual preferences. Users might still get harassed by those of the same gender.
Also, Bumble doesn’t verify profile information. Evenromance scammerscan switch between various genders multiple times without getting caught. You’ll find some of these users signing up as non-binary merely to get matches from all genders.
4. Salespeople Use It for Leads
Salespeople, often MLM workers and real estate agents, use the platform to rope in prospects. They treat it like a lead generator. Some merely send webinar links via chat, but others will meet you in person before pitching. Either way, they’ll waste your time.
Report these users to Bumble if you encounter them, but don’t expect to remove them from BFF entirely. Bumble BFF has very few requirements. Almost anyone can match with dozens regularly if they pay the extra Premium and Spotlight fees.
5. Interactions Are Often Cut Short
Bumble users are notorious for ghosting BFF matches. They join BFF looking for romantic partners and lose interest after realizing that others are building platonic relationships. Expect some BFF matches to cut ties with you abruptly for no reason.
For more meaningful conversations, try outtools to find people that share your interests. These could serve as icebreakers and hangout ideas.
6. The Platform Still Feels Like a Dating App
BFF still feels like a dating site because it outright copies Bumble. The profiles, matching system, and UI are the same. Bumble should’ve made some design changes to emphasize that BFF is a dating platform.
For instance, one-on-one conversations are awkward. Instead of forcing users to build close yet platonic relationships with strangers, BFF should create groups focused on shared interests.
Should You Use Bumble BFF?
Considering the above points, joining Bumble BFF might not be the best way to foster friendship online and in real life. it’s possible to still try the app yourself. Just manage your expectations, avoid divulging too much information, and carefully assess your matches.
But if you don’t want to waste time on Bumble BFF, explore other similar sites. Find ones that resonate with your interests. For instance, Atleto helps users find workout buddies, Hey! Vina is an all-women platform and Yubo connects streamers worldwide.
If you’re looking to make new friends, you might wonder how the internet can help, away from online dating. So, here are seven platforms for you!
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