Bumble CEO and Founder on Connecting during COVID-19 | How I Built This with Guy Raz | NPR

Transcript

hello and welcome to how i built this resilience edition from npr this is where we're talking about how entrepreneurs are building resilience during this challenging time if you've joined us before you might notice a slightly different background i'm not in my orange studio i'm in a gray studio because uh normally i'm in i'm in the bay area where i... Read More

Summary

In this episode of "How I Built This - Resilience Edition" from NPR, host Guy Raz interviews Whitney Wolfe Herd, the CEO and founder of Bumble, a dating app where women make the first move. They discuss how Bumble has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trends they have observed in online dating, and how Bumble is working to make online dating safer. Wolfe Herd also shares success stories from Bumble users and talks about the future of the company.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you explain how Bumble works?

Bumble is a dating app that allows women to make the first move. When a woman and a man match, only the woman can initiate the conversation. This flips the traditional dating dynamic and empowers women to take control. Bumble has expanded beyond dating and now facilitates all kinds of connections, including friendships and business networking.

Q: How did Bumble adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Bumble saw a surge in activity during the pandemic as people sought to connect digitally. They had already implemented in-app video chatting, which became increasingly popular during this time. People started spending more time video chatting and getting to know each other before deciding to meet in person. This shift has led to more meaningful connections and reduced the casual, transactional culture of dating.

Q: Have physical meetings declined during the pandemic?

Yes, physical meetings have declined during the pandemic due to safety concerns. However, the meetings that do happen tend to be more meaningful. People are spending more time getting to know each other digitally through video and audio chats. They are even organizing virtual dinner parties or movie nights to deepen their connection before meeting in person.

Q: Will video chatting become the bedrock of online dating in the future?

Video chatting is becoming increasingly important in online dating. Bumble believes that getting to know each other through video chats before meeting in person leads to a higher success rate when it comes to forming meaningful relationships. This approach allows for more extensive and detailed conversations, providing a deeper level of understanding.

Q: What precautions does Bumble take to make online dating safer?

Bumble has implemented several safety features to make online dating safer. One such feature is photo verification, where users take a real-time photo to ensure they are who they claim to be. They also have robust block and reporting features for users to feel safe and report any uncomfortable or risky behavior. Bumble takes these reports seriously and has a dedicated team to investigate and take appropriate action.

Q: How has the pandemic affected Bumble's business?

Bumble has been a durable business throughout the pandemic. While they have made some adaptations and tweaks, their digital nature has helped them weather the challenges better than some other businesses. They have seen an increase in usage and have been able to hire to meet the increase in demand. Bumble's focus on connection and the need for human connection during challenging times has allowed them to maintain motivation and morale.

Q: Are people building deeper relationships digitally without meeting in person?

While people are engaging in more digital communication, the ultimate goal is still to meet in person. The difference now is that people are taking more time and effort to get to know each other before meeting face-to-face. This foundation of digital connection has actually increased the success rate and led to more meaningful relationships as people put in the effort to establish a deeper connection before taking the next step.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who struggles with dating in real life?

Bumble can be a helpful tool for those who struggle with dating in real life. It takes the pressure off and allows users to put their best foot forward. Bumble's unique features allow users to be explicit about their preferences and filter potential matches accordingly. The app provides a platform for more thoughtful and intentional connections, which can increase the likelihood of success.

Q: What is Bumble's approach to privacy and protecting user information?

Bumble prioritizes user privacy and takes measures to protect personal information. They have stringent policies in place to prevent any unauthorized sharing or misuse of user data. Bumble is committed to creating an accountable ecosystem and ensuring the safety and security of its users.

Q: Have you seen any stories of love and success during the pandemic?

Bumble has been witness to many heartwarming success stories during the pandemic. One particular favorite story involved an older man and woman who met on Bumble during lockdown. They developed a strong connection through video chatting and eventually had a romantic socially distant picnic in a parking lot. Their love story has continued, and they are still together thanks to their initial connection on Bumble.

Takeaways

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a surge in activity on Bumble, as people seek to connect digitally. Video chatting has become an important part of the dating process, allowing users to get to know each other better before meeting in person. This shift has led to more meaningful relationships and reduced casual, transactional dating culture. Bumble has implemented safety features such as photo verification and block/reporting options to make online dating safer. The company's focus on connection and the need for human connection during challenging times has helped them maintain motivation and adapt to the circumstances. Ultimately, Bumble aims to provide a platform for more thoughtful and intentional connections, leading to more successful relationships.