Press Release - Bend Dating
Date: December 27, 2025
Estimated early release: January 2026
Full release date: February 2026
Headline
The Billion Dollar Dating App Industry is Broken - A 3rd Generation App Created For Bend Oregon is safe, ethical and non-profit.
A Bend Psychologist created and donated an ethical dating app to a non-profit for Bend, Oregon after
his research with Mentor Research Institute concluded…
Tinder, Hinge, Bumble & Match.com are Wrecking Our Mental Health, Ripping People Off, and Lying to Them.
On-line Description
Bend Dating is the only psychology-informed, evidence-based, community-rooted alternative to traditional dating apps; grounded in physical and psychological safety, best practices, independent non-profit research oversight, and designed to support authentic-accountable relationships.
The Problems with 1st and 2nd Generation Dating Apps
Mainstream 1st generation dating apps were built to maximize engagement, not relationships. Second generation swipe mechanics, streaks, and pay-to-be-seen boosts drive habit loops and choice overload, pushing users toward impulsive, appearance-based judgments and endless browsing over commitment. Opaque algorithms often optimize for time-on-app rather than attraction, competence and compatibility. The environment normalizes ghosting, breadcrumbing, and love-bombing; weak verification that enables catfishing and scams. Monetization tiers create inequity. Unrealistic selection filtering erodes authenticity and self-esteem. Prolonged texting without real-world movement leads to “textationships,” burnout, and cynicism.
The 3rd Generation Solution
Working with Mentor Research Institute, the Bend Dating model ushers in an entirely new 3rd generation of dating apps.
No games. No bullshit. No joke!
Dating Apps should not be a playground predators, misogynists or misandrists.
The only safe dating app is one that is non-profit and transparent.
Dating apps make billion of dollars by keeping users single and lonely.
The driving mission of Bend Dating to get people talking face to-face safely and confidently within 60 days.
There must be an enforced code of conduct centered on honesty and respect; active monitoring and accountability.
Four-tier certification:
1. member profile verification,
2. personality screening,
3. background check,
4. optional interview by a psychologist, and
5. optional polygraph to help confirm honesty of information provided (coming in 2026).
The Director for Member and Public safety is licensed private investigator (and former 911 and law enforcement officer) who conducts standard background checks, and investigate complaints, and member concerns.
No swiping, no algorithms, no gamification, no ghosting, no photo filters, no paid visibility, no hidden upsells.
Equal gender balance and a cap of three concurrent conversations to prevent overload and eliminate ghosting.
Local, searchable community activities and events which move connections offline to in-person quickly and safely.
Referrals to community-based counselors, marriage and family therapists and psychologists, trained and Certified by Mentor Research Institute.
Independent oversight using audit safety practices and outcomes overseen by Mentor Research Institute, a non-profit professional training and consumer protection organization.
Transparent low pricing: no boosts, super likes, digital roses, or “unlock more” paywalls.
Members of Bend Dating pay less and get more services than any other dating app.
Member-to-member feedback and complaints are investigated by Bend Dating.
How It Works (member journey)
Apply and agree to mandatory member code of conduct requirements → identity verification → complete extensive activity and preference checklists → complete psychological and behavioral screening → access to a balanced, local member pool (tier 2 members only) who completed those requirements → meet using a database of community events and real-world activities (using database is optional) → member authorize’s background check → access to tier 2 and 3 members → meet using a database of community events and real-world activities (using database is optional**) → interview with a psychologist → access to tier 2, 3 & 4 member pool → meet using a database of community events and real-world activities (using our database is optional**) → interview with a certified dating coaches and relationship therapists → meet using a database of certified professional → required adherence to a code of conduct, with monitored compliance and consequences for violations, → an optional polygraph is available in March 2026, assuring the most valid screening available.
Members can engage with no more than 2 members concurrently. The are encouraged to meet in-person “in the wild.”
** The activity and events database will be available in March, 2026.
Ethics, Research, and Scientific Standards
Bend Dating implements empirical and evidence-based standards rooted in professional psychology, ethics, and relationship science. Screening and policies follow best practices; outcomes and safety metrics are monitored by an independent non-profit research institute. The platform eliminates variable-ratio/interval reinforcement (streaks, surprise boosts) and other casino-style mechanics, aligning product design with attachment needs rather than attention extraction.
What Makes Bend Dating Different?
Safety first: identity and integrity checks, enforced conduct, background checks, and third-party oversight.
Human judgment rather than algorithms: members choose thoughtfully; no gamified funnels.
Authenticity by design: no filters, no artificial scarcity, no pay-to-be-seen.
Community-anchored: real people, real events, real accountability.
Time-respectful: deliberate pace, limited concurrent chats, fast path to offline informed connection.