A slew of popular dating apps have announced they will let users inform potential partners of their vaccination status as part of a White House-backed effort to encourage COVID-19 vaccines.
Tinder, Hinge, Match, OKCupid, BLK, Chispa, Plenty of Fish, Bumble and Badoo have all said they will create badges displaying vaccination status and offer vaccinated Americans free premium benefits, according to a statement released by the White House Friday.
MORE: Vaccination rates lag in communities of color, but it's not only due to hesitancy, experts sayFree premium content includes boosts, super likes and super swipes -- features meant to increase the odds of connecting with a new romantic interest online. Users in some apps will also be able to filter out their searches for potential partners based on their vaccination status.
In addition to helping ease a public health crisis, getting vaccinated can also increase the odds of finding a romantic partner online, the White House said, citing research from OkCupid. People who are vaccinated or plan to get vaccinated receive 14% more matches than people who don't plan to get vaccinated, the online matchmakers found.
The effort is part of President Joe Biden's goal of getting 70% of adults at least one shot by July 4. As of Friday, more than 48% of Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and more than 38% have been fully vaccinated, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
MORE: Employers announce COVID-19 vaccine requirements as workplaces reopenThe apps are also set to promote information about coronavirus vaccines and link to vaccines.gov.
Tinder, the world's most popular non-gaming app, said it will launch a "Vaccine Center" with a suite of educational resources as well as information on users' nearest vaccination sites.
"We’re excited to work with the White House to help 70% of American adults get vaccinated by July 4th. Nothing like fireworks to signal a new spark and a new start for those looking to meet new people IRL this summer," Jim Lanzone, the CEO of Tinder, said in a statement Friday.
In a company blogpost, OkCupid called "vaccinated" the "new tall, dark and handsome."
"The phrase 'I’m vaccinated' on OkCupid profiles increased over 1,400% this month compared to January," the company said. "And the vaccine is really helping people find love. More than 7 in 10 daters say they will get the Covid-19 vaccine, and those who are planning to get it or already have are getting 15% more likes and 14% more matches, and having 4.5% more conversations."