Given the fact various federal and state governments have urged Australians to stay the fuck inside, travelling and meeting new people are both a bit of a hassle right about now.
Fortunately, Tinder just made its Passport feature free to all users, allowing punters — like me — to see what’s going on across the world during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
For the uninitiated, Passport allows you to swipe in locations where you are not. It’s usually packaged with Tinder’s paid membership options, making this a unique opportunity for everyone else to give it a burl.
In a statement, Tinder CEO Elie Seidman said Passport will help users “transport themselves out of self-quarantine or isolation” by matching and chatting with folks from just about anywhere.
Take, for example, my brief attempt to match with someone in Toronto, Canada:
That was followed by a quick trip over to the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbataar:
And, finally, a sojourn to McMurdo Station, the largest scientific base in Antarctica.
While I’m yet to chat with anyone self-isolating in that frigid community, I will continue to explore the Passport feature in my attempt to fill the afternoon and the gaping chasm at the core of my being.
I won’t be the only one, apparently. Tinder reckons it counted more swipes on March 29 than any other day in the app’s history, adding that Australian users are striking up 16% more conversations than usual. Big numbers.
If you’re keen to try out Passport, and temporarily forget the fact we’re seeking connection during one of the most isolating periods in living memory, make sure your app is up to date. Then, get swiping.
