Bumble Inc., the company behind the Bumble dating app, has announced the release of Bumble for Friends in the Philippines, a self-standing app aimed at helping its users find friends.
Unlike its dating app, Bumble for Friends is completely focused on building a social circle of friends among users, helping them explore fun, kind, and meaningful connections with the people in their area.
The app itself is not entirely new, with it following the same function as the feature seen within the Bumble app since 2016.
APAC Communications Director for Bumble Lucille McCart highlighted the company’s belief that “relationships are the foundation of a happy and healthy life”.
See also: Filipinos still prioritize ‘visual appeal’ on online dating sites — study
Based on research that suggests that a majority of Gen Zs are finding it difficult to make friends the traditional way, McCart emphasized the app’s role in making the task easier for the cohort.
In a recent survey, which comprises global respondents, it is found that 3 out of 4 people are eager in finding their “tribe” or a group of people they share similarities with to make friends. More than half of them are keen on coming across them within the local area for the ease of meetups and shared activities.
Drawing from the same participants, it is also revealed that 3 out of 5 have become open-minded about establishing friends online because of their many online activities.
With issues regarding isolation and loneliness among people at an all-time high, Bumble CEO and Founder Whitney Wolfe Herd said that it is high time that people prioritize self-love and friendships for their well-being.