Dating app asks 'Are you sure?' before hitting send

The dating app Tinder has launched a new feature designed to help reduce online harassment. The app uses an algorithm to detect potentially abusive content contained in a message created by the user. Artificial intelligence is used to create a database that flags up examples of abusive or inappropriate language. After the author of the message presses 'send', a small box pops up that asks, "Are you sure?" or "AYS?" Developers at Tinder are optimistic the new feature will drastically cut the number of abusive messages sent on the platform. They say that while testing the app, the volume of such messages fell by 10 per cent. The new feature has been rolled out on English and Japanese versions of the app.

The Tinder dating app allows users to anonymously swipe photos and like or dislike the profiles of possible love matches based on photos, biographies and common interests. Once the app deems two users as being "matched", they can exchange messages and arrange a date. While the app has resulted in many finding love, like similar apps, it has been abused. AYS works on the concept of "act in haste, repent at leisure". The company says AYS is its response to keeping Tinder a safe environment. It said: "The early results...show us that intervention done the right way can be really meaningful in changing behaviour and building a community where everyone feels like they can be themselves."