Hinge adds monogamy and non-monogamy labels for profiles

Hinge is adding a significant feature to its app: the ability to reveal the kind of relationship a person is looking for. Daters can add to their profile whether they're seeking a monogamous relationship, non-monogamy, or if they are still figuring it out.

These labels will come with the option to provide a larger "backstory" (essentially a brief description) to support the answer. This information will sit in the "virtues" section of the app.

Credit: Hinge.

What is non-monogamy?

Non-monogamy is typically referred to as "ENM," meaning ethical non-monogamy, or "CNM" consensual non-monogamy. ENM was already seeing a big rise prior to the pandemic. Dating app Feeld says more people have been exploring non-monogamy in the past two years, with the app reporting a 250 percent rise in monthly active users in the UK between Jan. 2021 to 2022. There are many different types of non-monogamous relationships, which typically involve having intimate relationships with multiple partners.

Michelle Parsons, chief product officer at Hinge, says in a statement, "We are empowering users to openly share what kind of relationship they are looking for, and as a result, have a new way to know if someone’s dating goals match theirs from the moment they look at their profile".

"I want [the app] to enter a new era of dating where the word 'relationship' defies traditional and heteronormative meaning," Parsons says.

The feature is intended to increase inclusivity on the app, decrease dating fatigue by offering transparency, and speak to Gen-Z users. Hinge found that 15 percent of its Gen-Z and queer users are interested in non-monogamy or are exploring the option.

This update is the latest in a string that Hinge has offered this year, including the addition of zodiac signs, polls and videos to profiles, and the launch of a FAQ guide for LGBTQ daters.