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Hinge is making it easier to block would-be love interests based on the words they use.
The "Hidden Words" feature allows users to filter out messages that contain specific words or phrases. It works similarly to the mute feature on other social media apps; when someone sends you a message using one of your muted words, it will be sent to a hidden inbox. You can access those notes, but they won't be front and center.
The goal is to cut down on harassment via the dating app. You can add up to 1,000 unwanted words, phrases, and even emoji to your hidden words list. Farewell, eggplant emoji overload?
Hinge VP of Trust, Safety, and Support Jeff Dunn tells TechCrunch that the company is considering expanding the feature's coverage and abilities based on what people get from it.
Apps like Hinge are under increased pressure to curb harassment and things like catfishing and romance scams. In February, Hinge parent company Match Group was hit with a proposed class-action lawsuit over claims that the apps are designed to be addictive and “enable compulsive use.”