Introduction to Bumble’s New Feature
As a seasoned business professional and educator, I’ve seen firsthand how the landscape of networking and relationship-building has evolved over the years. With the rise of digital platforms, the way we connect, collaborate, and create opportunities has transformed dramatically. One such platform that has caught my attention recently is Bumble, particularly its new feature, Bumble For Friends (BFF).
Bumble, a popular dating app, has been testing Bumble BFF, a separate application designed to help people find friends. This new feature is being tested in select markets and is designed to create a community focused on kindness and safety. It allows users to chat, meet new people, and make friends, whether they are new to an area or simply looking to expand their social circle.
The Psychology of Making Friends as an Adult
Making friends as an adult can be a complex process, influenced by various psychological and societal factors. According to Dr. Marisa Franco, a psychologist who studies friendship, one of the key strategies for making friends is to assume that people will like you. This assumption, based on the “risk regulation theory,” suggests that we decide how much to invest in a relationship based on how likely we think we are to get rejected. Therefore, if you believe that you are less likely to be rejected, you are more likely to try and connect with someone.
Who Benefits from Bumble BFF?
People who are most likely to look for apps like Bumble BFF are those in transition — those who’ve recently moved, gone through a breakup, or are traveling. These individuals tend to be more open to making new friends. In fact, Bumble’s spokesperson revealed that the BFF mode represents 15% of the main app’s monthly active users, indicating a significant demand for platforms that facilitate platonic connections.
Bumble BFF: A Potential Business Networking Tool?
But here’s where it gets interesting. What if this feature could be used in a business context? What if we could use it to find mentors, personal coaches, investors in our businesses, or other business-oriented relationships?
PushFar: A Case Study in Professional Networking
Consider this: PushFar, a mentoring and career progression platform, allows organizations to connect with mentors, mentees, and design their own scalable mentoring program. The platform offers features such as appointment scheduling, task setting, mentor/coach matching, built-in video calling, and goal management.
Could Bumble BFF serve a similar purpose? Could it become a platform for non-creepy, professional networking? I believe there’s potential.
The Future of Networking in the Digital Age
The lines between personal and professional networking are blurring. We’re seeing a shift towards more holistic, authentic connections that encompass all aspects of our lives. And in this context, an app like Bumble BFF could provide a unique, low-pressure way for professionals to grow their networks, find mentors, and even discover new business opportunities.
Bumble’s new BFF feature may not just be a tool for finding friends; it or some other app could potentially revolutionize the way we network and build professional relationships. As we continue to navigate the digital age, it will be fascinating to see how platforms like Bumble adapt and evolve to meet our changing needs.
