After my recent week of dreaming I had a girlfriend, one evening curiosity got the better of me and I decided to check out the dating app Bumble to see if I was missing anything (or to be more accurate, anyone).
I downloaded the app, created a quick profile, set my age range to 51-61 (5 years on either side of me) and limited location to my immediate area. I spent a few minutes swiping on “recommended profiles” and quickly realized, “Nope…I’m not missing anything.”
Not much was different than when I used Bumble a few years ago other than my own perceptions of the app and the profiles. I was presented with mostly women I had no attraction to whatsoever. Many profiles noted the importance of religion, their kids and travel in these women’s lives.
When I stumbled across two women – who were uncharacteristically attractive but not obviously AI generated, I realized these were “ringers” that Bumble put in my queue to get my hopes up and hook me. Even if these women were real people, there’s no way either is going on a date with me. I’m sure they have hundreds of men chasing them online who are better looking, wealthier and more appealing. I didn’t even bother swiping right on them.
I was also presented with a woman I had actually dated! Her profile hadn’t changed from when I saw it several years ago. Her photos had to be at least 5 years old. Her prompts and interests were the same. And apparently she still hasn’t met her match. FWIW, we went on two dates before she told me she wasn’t feeling a romantic connection. I wasn’t either – we weren’t a good match.
I also recognized another profile from someone who I had suspicions might be a man in drag. She (he?) had great photos and an interesting profile that was different than several years ago. But for me, I’ll pass. That “uncanny valley” premonition I got from the pictures were enough for me to not swipe.
The other big difference is that Bumble had increased the price and frequency of pushing memberships and premium features.
So let me see – same candidates, more costly, likely similar odds of success. Plus I’m still not that interested in dating anyone.
No thanks. It’s a hard pass for me.