Press Release - Bend Dating Initiative
Date: November 15, 2025
Headline
Digital Matchmaking is Broken - a new 3rd Generation App Flips the Incentives.
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
Enforced code of conduct centered on honesty and respect; active monitoring and accountability.
Four-tier certification: (1) member profile verification, (2) psychological screening, (3) background check, (4) optional interview by a psychologist and polygraph.
A licensed private investigator conducts standard background checks at no charge. (Deep background checks are available for a reasonable hourly fee.)
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.
Member-to-member feedback and reporting to Bend Dating
No games. No bullshit. No joke!
How It Works (member journey)
Apply → profile verification → extensive activity and preference checklists → psychological and behavioral screening → background check → interview with a psychologist → access to a balanced, local member pool → engage with no more that three members concurrently → meet using a database of community events and real-world activities → required adherence to a code of conduct, with monitored compliance and consequences for violations.
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, 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.