The Bumble BFF app is revolutionizing how teenagers find friends lately, introducing a new concept of online social networking.
However, while advertised as an app developed with safety in mind. Questions have arisen, whether this app really does provide a safe environment for the youth to meet and interact.
Read on as we learn how the Bumble bff platform works and find out whether this app does foster safe teenage friendships.
What is Bumble BFF app?
The Bumble app for friends is called Bumble BFF. It is a social discovery app that assists individuals find possible friends in their geographical area.
It is similar to Bumble’s dating app in terms of using the same basic technology. But it is strictly for non-romantic relationships.
It has a simple design, which allows teens to create accounts showing their interests and hobbies. And, therefore, find friends who share the same passion.
It is a platform where people can look for friends, chat and make new friends without worrying about dating.
This approach is unique and responds to the need for social contacts among young people.
Is Bumble BFF a different app than Bumble?
Bumble BFF is not a different app from Bumble, it is a feature that comes embedded in the main Bumble application. When users open Bumble, they can switch between three modes:
- Bumble Date (for dating)
- Bumble BFF (for friendships)
- Bumble Bizz (for networking)
All these features are available in the same app. The user uses the same profile but gets different information depending on the mode.
This integration makes it possible to have a completely integrated experience. While maintaining the separation between those that are looking for friends and those for dates.
How Bumble BFF works?
The bumble friends app contains a straightforward approach to connect with prospective friends. Here is how to begin and go through the matching process.
- The first step is to download the Bumble application from the App Store on I-OS or Google Play on the android. If you already have Bumble, you can find BFF mode in the same application, so you don’t need to download anything new.
- Upon downloading, create an account. You will be required to enter your account details such as age, gender and location. You can submit up to six photos that would reflect your personality and hobbies.
After creating the profile, users can start swiping through profiles of people they are interested in.
It is similar to dating apps where you can either swipe right to indicate that you like a profile and swipe left in case you don’t.
When two users swipe right on each other, then a match is formed. Either of the users can then start a conversation within the next 24 hours.
When users scroll through the profiles, they are supposed to read bios and interests that other users have provided.
This will assist in finding out people that they have similar interests and principles with. Thus increasing the chances of making good friends.
What can you do with your Bumble BFF app?
The Bumble BFF application has a number of features that will allow teenagers to safely find friends and like-minded people.
Here are some of the advantages of the Bumble BFF App.
- Interest tags. Users can include tags in their profiles to show what they like to do in their spare time. This helps them find other individuals who have similar interests and allows them to easily establish connections.
- Community groups. Bumble BFF offers groups where people can chat, discuss, and seek support from others who use the application. These groups afford teenagers the opportunity to associate with like-minded people who can understand them.
- In-app video chat. This feature enables users to have a face to face conversation with their matches before meeting physically. This can open up a level of comfort, familiarity and trust, which is always important when making a transition from online communication.
- Safety features. It has several features meant to ensure safety, including verification of profiles and options to report bad behavior. This guarantees the user’s security while interacting with strangers.
These features make the Bumble BFF app a perfect tool for teenagers who want to make new friends on the app.
Is Bumble BFF safe?
Over time, Bumble has established numerous safety measures to ensure the application is safer for use by the end-user
The following are some of the safety features.
- Photo verification. This feature will help people to confirm their identity, therefore, limiting fake account creation.
- In-app video chat. With the option of video call, you can talk to your matches on the app before having to meet them physically. This is to better understand them and their intent.
- Private mode. This feature enables you to limit who can access your profile and therefore provide more privacy.
- Block and report. If anyone ever makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you can easily block and report the users.
Despite taking all these measures, it is imperative to note that using an app to arrange to meet friends in your vicinity is potentially dangerous.
As much as possible, people should be careful whenever they are dealing with people online. Always go with what you feel is right.
Safety tips for teenagers on Bumble BFF app
The use of the Bumble BFF app could be a great way for teenagers to make friends. But it should be done safely.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important safety tips you should always remember.
- Protect personal information. Watch what you post on the site as it can be viewed by anyone. If you wouldn’t share this information with someone on the street, it is better not to share it in the application.
- Use profile settings wisely. Use Bumble’s privacy settings to limit who can see your profile. Also think about disabling your location settings.
- Verify connections. Suggest that people you would like to become friends with activate the photo verification feature to prove they are actually real people.
- Meet in public places. If you plan to meet someone from the app, it is better to select the first meeting place that is open. Can be a café or park.
- Report suspicious behavior: If you feel uncomfortable or experience harassment simply block that profile, or report them so that Bumble can assist you.
These safety tips will help teenagers use the Bumble BFF app to the maximum while avoiding dangerous consequences of meeting strangers online.
Just keep in mind that security is a top priority when making connections in the current world we live in.
The Role of parents in ensuring safety
It comes down to the parents to make sure that they teach the teenagers the right way to use the Bumble BFF app.
When parents give guidance on social apps, their children will be in a position to use them well and to interact safely.
Below, are the strategies that parents can use to effectively influence their teens.
Open communication
- Create a safe space. Promote awareness by talking to family members and children especially about risks associated with social networks.
- Active listening. Take time and listen to what your teen is concerned about. Pay attention to what questions they have or what they have gone through on social media.
- Set clear expectations. Set a number of rules concerning internet usage, time spent on the Internet, and material one is allowed to access.
Educate and empower
- Digital literacy. Explain to your teen about privacy, bullying and being careful with the information they put out for the public.
- Critical thinking. Advise them to question what they see online, and always crosscheck on the information they want to pass on.
- Healthy boundaries. Make them know the need to setting a limit in online friendships and knowing when something is wrong.
Utilize parental control apps
Monitoring apps such as FlashGet Kids are very useful for tracking your teenager’s Internet usage. These apps allow you to:
- Track screen time. Restrict the amount of time that your teen spends using their devices.
- Filter content. Filter restricted and unsafe apps and programs.
- Keep an eye on social media activity. Observe your teen on social media, and how they behave with other users.
- Location tracking. Be aware of your teen’s location, especially when they are getting together with people known through the internet.
Note that the intention is not to block your teen from accessing social networks. Rather we want to ensure that the teen can navigate them safely.
Open conversations and parental control applications such as FlashGet Kids will enable your teenager to avoid bad sites.
Conclusion
The Bumble BFF app is a potential solution for the generation of teenagers to find friends safely and effectively using online resources.
When utilized responsibly with the right parental control such as FlashGet Kids, it provides a structured means of extending social networking beyond the normal conventions.
By being very careful and also reasonable in building friendships, teenagers will be safe while making friends with others online.
