You can date on Facebook soon

Facebook users can soon build a dating profile their friends won’t be able to see. The opt-in feature will match users with people they aren’t already friends with. It will link to events and groups on the larger platform, allowing users with dating profiles to connect via shared interests or commonly attended events.

The dating feature uses only a first name and is only visible to those using the service, and not to all Facebook friends. The feature does not show up in the news feed either.

However, users are concerned over data safety and the implications of putting even more information in the hands of a platform now under a shadow.

Facebook claims the same privacy protections that apply to Facebook will apply to its dating feature... which is not saying much. There are also doubts about how much of the information we have shared on Facebook potential dating matches will see.

However, Indians have already explored the match-making possibilities of Facebook. Recently, a Kerala woman’s matrimony post, asking for grooms for herself (with the attractive ‘caste no bar’, ‘no demands’ clauses) went viral.

Jyothi KG’s post, using the hashtag #FacebookMatrimony, received more than 6,000 shares and 10,000 likes, as well as an overflowing comments section.

In August last year, Ranjish Manjeri, a photographer from Manjeri in Kerala, put out a Facebook post seeking a bride for himself.

A few weeks later, he married Sarigama. Posting photographs from his wedding, the groom thanked Mark Zuckerberg.

Hit by data leak allegations and bad press, Facebook made the announcement about the dating app at a developer conference in San Jose, California, on Wednesday.

Other features in the pipeline

An option to clear history, which will allow users to delete information that lets third-party apps and websites identify their accounts.

WhatsApp to get group video-calling feature.

Global launch of Facebook’s virtual reality headset Oculus Go.

Snarky comeback by Match

Shares of online dating company Match, which owns Tinder and OkCupid, suffered the biggest one-day drop in the company’s history after Facebook announced its foray into the business.

However, Match had a snarky comeback. Its Chief Executive Officer, Mandy Ginsberg, said, “We’re flattered that Facebook is coming into our space — and sees the global opportunity that we do. We are surprised at the timing given the amount of personal and sensitive data that comes with this territory.”

We all get the reference!