The newly introduced feature assesses “thoughtful participation.”
Hinge users might have noticed a small purple heart next to a potential date’s profile. This new feature, Signals, is in the testing phase, as detailed on a Hinge Help Center page. The badge represents a user’s thoughtfulness and follow-through.
Signals cannot be purchased. Instead, it’s awarded based on certain criteria:
– A complete profile (including photos and prompt responses)
– Following Hinge’s Community Guidelines
– Profile must be over a week old
– Selfie verification completed
Hinge users must also demonstrate three out of five behaviors termed as “Thoughtful Participation,” which involves actively engaging with other profiles. These behaviors include sending comments when liking, messaging matches, confirming a date, reading prompts, and not leaving people in limbo after liking their profiles.
Hinge’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, Ben Celebicic, stated: “With Signals, we are testing a new feature that helps your small but meaningful actions stand out to those viewing your profile. It’s centered around the behaviors daters find important, such as noticing small profile details or maintaining conversations.”
Signals is dynamic, depending on user activity over the past 30 days, refreshed daily but not reflecting real-time actions. It focuses on in-app behavior rather than personal background checks, apart from requiring selfie verification.
Recent Hinge features aim at improving user behavior, like Date Ideas, and Conversation Starters to avoid generic interaction.
Anna Iovine is the associate editor of features at Mashable. She previously reported on sex and relationships, covering topics like dating apps and pelvic pain, and has been a social editor at VICE. She’s also freelanced for Slate and the Columbia Journalism Review. Follow her on Bluesky.