Facebook Has Sparked, Tinder-Like Online Dating App

JAKARTA - Pandemic makes technology development accelerated. Zoom comes as an early solution for people who want to stay connected and communion. Then the dating app comes offering video chat so that dating seekers can go on adventures during social restrictions.

Now, more and more platforms are focusing their services on video conversations. And based on The Verge's findings, Facebook is known to be trying out a dating app called Sparked.

The Sparked platform was developed by the company's New Product Experimentation (NPE) team. And this isn't the first dating app Facebook has launched. Because, in 2019, NPE also launched a similar service called Tuned.

Lack of Features, Focus On Dating Only

This time, the NPE team offers innovation in the form of dating applications. You won't find hundreds of private messages, as Tinder, Badoo, or TanTan users commonly encounter.

Citing a description on Sparked's official website, the app will not provide a public profile. Even when it comes to choosing a potential partner, you don't have to swipe the screen until you find the right one.

All you have to do is register in the app's user waiting list. In it, you will be asked to fill in questions about yourself and personal choices. Examples include questions about age, gender preferences of dates, and location.

Once you've answered these questions, all you have to do is log in on the platform using your Facebook account. So, you don't have to bother to create a new account.

Instead of manually selecting your profile and account, Sparked will instantly connect you with your partner in the video conversation space. For four minutes, you and your partner can dive into each other's personalities.

If you find an interesting partner, you can rearrange conversations with a duration of 10 minutes. And from that conversation, you and your partner can decide where to take your online relationship.

Emphasizing Honesty

Based on Facebook's description, Sparked is a dating app that emphasizes honesty. The goal of course is for the services of this platform to be used safely by anyone.

During the sign-up process, you will be asked to maintain security during virtual communication. In addition, you should also explain "what makes you a good date".

Later, potential spouses will review your answers. If it feels suitable, Sparked will arrange a short date between the user and anyone accordingly. The search for potential spouses has also been tailored to be relevant to your choices.