【1982 Archives】

982 ArchivesTinder SuperLike is, without a doubt, the app's thirstiest, most desperate feature. And now rival app Bumble has just launched a copycat version of the feature -- called "SuperSwipe" -- for reasons beyond our comprehension.

Bumble announced the new SuperSwipe feature Wednesday, claiming that the feature allows you to tell potential matches "you’re confidently interested in them". In a blog post announcing the new feature, Bumble said that users need only tap the new heart icon on a person's profile and they'll be "notified" that you're interested in "getting to know them better".

"It’s the digital equivalent of walking over to someone you'd like to get to know, tapping them on the shoulder, and introducing yourself," reads the blog. But, does anyone actually want their shoulder tapped by a complete stranger, digitally or IRL?

Of course, if you do feel like digitally tapping on someone's shoulder, you'll have to pay for the privilege. Each SuperSwipe costs one "Bumble coin," which is $0.99. But, you can also buy a bundle of Bumble coins for $14.99 if you're feeling flush.

Bumble seems to have pre-empted suggestions that this feature is a little thirsty by producing a video entitled "never thirsty, always hydrated" by way of explanation for the SuperSwipe feature.

"Thirsty: To actively and aggressively seek external sources of validation," reads a definition in the video. "Hydrated: To be confident and in control of one's own happiness, with a healthy reservoir of self-worth," the video continues.

"Knowing what you want and going for it is anything but thirsty. In fact, it’s hydrated. (And it’s important to always stay hydrated,)" the blog post continues.

So, let me get this straight, Bumble: we might seem thirsty when we're SuperSwiping, but in reality we're just trying to stay hydrated? Hmmm.

Earlier this year, Mashablereported on Tinder users' thoughts on the controversial SuperLike. "A bit weird," said one rather creeped-out user. "The majority [of Super Likers] are by definition life's losers," said another. "The Super Like seems too needy," added another.

But, Tinder's VP of Communications Rosette Pambakian said users are three times more likely to match with someone they Super Like, and conversations initiated by a Super Like last 70 percent longer. Desperation aside, it would appear that some people are actually finding the feature useful.

SuperSwipe at your peril, friends.

(Editor: {typename type="name"/})