A Dutch Zoo Rolled Out a New Tinder-Style App for Orangutans
For the vast majority of people, the dating scene in recent years has shifted. Apps, like Bumble and Tinder, along with websites like Match.com and Plenty of Fish, have alleviated the stress and awkwardness of trying to strike up conversations with someone in person. Now, a simple swipe, or “superlike,” can put you on the fast track to finding your next relationship. The prevalence of this has made such an impact, socially, that a Dutch zoo figured why not test this method of matchmaking out on some of its orangutans? Huh?
With “Tinder for Orangutan’s,” the app gives Samboja, an 11-year-old orangutan, the chance to select a partner based on pictures via a touchscreen, just like the Tinder does for humans. This four-year test will give researchers a deeper look into the mating patterns of the animal; hopefully, shedding light on trends within the animal as it searches for its perfect mate.
A lot like humans, researchers say that the orangutans need more than just a picture to find the right one.
“Usually, smell plays an important role too,” saidThomas Bionda, the Dutch zoo’s Behavioral Biologist, when speaking about some of the things the animal looks for to Elite Daily.
This, along with other patterns of measure, can provide scientists with vital info about the species to help aid in the breeding process. As studies such as this begin to become more and more popular, it is undoubtedly evident that the impact of social media dating and interaction as a whole (via social media) is here to stay. Are people simply uncomfortable in face to face situations with strangers? Or is meeting someone new simply something that is better served on a new platform?
