Bumble just banned guns from profile pics, and users have mixed feelings
Of all of the dating apps out there, Bumble has to be one of the most progressive. The company was created by former Tinder employee Whitney Wolfe Herde, who sued Tinder for sexual discrimination and harassment in 2014. Herde created Bumble in the hopes of making a safer dating space for young women — and what the company has done since then has backed that original promise. This latest news makes us like them even more: This week, Bumble banned guns from appearing in profile pictures.
According to The New York Times, Bumble is set to ban images of firearms after a string of mass shootings and a nationwide push for stronger gun control. Bumble is one of many businesses that has cut ties with the National Rifle Association in the last few weeks, and by banning guns in profile pictures, Bumble is leaving no question where the brand stands when it comes to guns.
In the next few days, the app’s moderators will look at all profiles, both new and existing, and remove any gun-related content they find. The only images they can’t remove are those that appear in a user’s Instagram feed, which can be integrated into Bumble profiles.
We were founded with safety, respect and kindness in mind. As mass shootings continue to devastate communities across the country, it’s time to state unequivocally that gun violence is not in line with our values, nor do these weapons belong on Bumble. https://t.co/fC4rPlGJ8y pic.twitter.com/Qmy7zLatRP
— Bumble (@bumble) March 5, 2018
And the app’s leaders won’t just be banning firearms in profile pictures — they don’t want weapons of any kind, including knives. The only users who will be allowed to post photos with firearms are users with military or law enforcement backgrounds if they are in uniform.
Why the sudden change? The decision was certainly sparked by the mass shooting that happened in Parkland, Florida in February, as well as the decision by other huge companies, like Dick’s Sporting Goods, to step away from any connection with the NRA. Herd told The New York Times,
"We just want to create a community where people feel at ease, where they do not feel threatened, and we just don't see guns fitting into that equation."
Herd acknowledges that this is going to be a controversial decision. She said, “This is not super black and white. It’s a very tricky battle we’ve chosen to take on, but I’d rather pursue this than just ignore it.” The company is also donating $100,000 towards the march against gun violence protest happening on March 24th.
We are also making a $100,000 donation to @AMarch4OurLives , the organization founded by the brave young survivors of the Parkland tragedy. We stand with them, and join them in working towards a non-violent future. @nytimes https://t.co/974lWY2hNu
— Bumble (@bumble) March 6, 2018
In the past, Bumble has received complaints from users about gun photos, although Herd says this decision isn’t about those complaints. She also told the Times that the company plans to eventually filter out any mention of guns in written content.
She said, “This is not a politically driven decision, nor a decision driven by hatred of people’s personal beliefs or choices. Not everyone’s going to love us for it, but it’s the right thing to do.”
Already, users are reacting to Bumble’s ban on guns on social media.
Many users are happy about the new change: false
Thank you so SO Much @bumble !!! 😭💛😭💛 https://t.co/mtJkw4BMPL
— X González (@callmeX) March 5, 2018
false
Some, though, think that others should know if someone they might potentially meet in person is interested in firearms:
Given the statistics for gun violence against women, if you want to do more, you should include a do you own a firearm question. It could legitimately save lives.
— Alex (@LunaticLabs) March 6, 2018
false
But the gun pictures allowed us to rule these men out immediately…which was actually a gift. Now they're being forced to hide who they really are…so my chances of unknowingly ending up on a date with a gun nut actually increases. This wasn't well thought out.
— Dr. Betty (@observanttruth) March 6, 2018
Supporters of firearms are, predictably, furious at the update:
guess it isn’t OK to be a supporter of the 2nd Amendment pic.twitter.com/SxMH4iZBWU
— Clam (@Calamity412) March 6, 2018
false false
The new ban on photos with firearms is sure to stir up even more controversy, but Herd and the rest of the company seem more than ready to take that on. Let’s see if any other dating apps follow suit.
