Press Release - Bend Dating

Date: January 06, 2025
Estimated early release: February 2026

Headline

The Billion Dollar Dating App Industry is Broken - A 3rd Generation App Created for Bend Oregon is ethical, evidence based, ensures safety, is 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 Community Mental Health

Online 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 Promise of a 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. extensive 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.

• Referrals to community-based counselors, marriage and family therapists and psychologists, trained and Certified by Mentor Research Institute.

• Independent oversight of safety practices and outcomes are overseen by Mentor Research Institute, a non-profit professional training and consumer protection organization.

• Transparent low pricing: no pay for boosts, super likes, digital roses, or “unlock more” paywalls.

• Members of Bend Dating pay less and get more services than any other dating app.

• Post date member-to-member feedback.

• Concerns 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.” We expect face-to-face outcomes, not endless messaging.

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.