Mentor Research Institute

Healthy Contracts Legislation; Measurement & Value-Based Payment Contracting; Online Screening & Outcome Measurement Software, The Collapse of Dating and Marriage

503 227-2027

Bend Dating - Press One-Pager

Date: August 23, 2025

Headline

Modern Dating Is Broken. A Bend Dating App Flips the Incentive.

Elevator Pitch

Bend Dating is the only psychology-informed, evidence-based, community-rooted alternative to traditional dating apps—grounded in personal and psychological safety, best practices, monitored by independent non-profit research oversight, and designed for authentic relationships.

The Problem in Brief

Mainstream dating apps were built to maximize engagement, not relationships. 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 compatibility. The environment normalizes ghosting, breadcrumbing, and love-bombing; weak verification enables catfishing and scams. Monetization tiers create inequity; heavy filtering erodes authenticity and self-esteem. Prolonged texting without real-world movement leads to “textationships,” burnout, and cynicism.

The Bend Dating Solution

  • 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 polygraph.

  • No swiping, no algorithms, no gamification, no ghosting, no photo filters, no paid visibility, and no hidden upsells.

  • Equal gender balance and a cap of three concurrent conversations to prevent overload and reduce ghosting.

  • Local, searchable community activities and events that move connections offline promptly.

  • Referrals to community-based counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists.

  • Independent oversight by a non-profit research institute to audit safety practices and outcomes.

  • Transparent pricing: no boosts, super likes, or “unlock more” paywalls.

How It Works (Member Journey)

Apply → profile verification → psychological screening → background check (with optional polygraph) → access to a balanced, local member pool → engage with at most three members concurrently → meet using a database of community events and real-world activities → ongoing adherence to 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 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 over 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-respecting: deliberate pace, limited concurrent chats, fast path to offline connection.

Key words: Supervisor Education, Ethical Charting, CareOregon’s New Barrier to Oregon’s Mental Health Services, Mental Health, Psychotherapy, Counseling, Ethical and Lawful Value Based Care,