Dating Insights From Bumble’s Lucille McCart, As Inspired By “Single’s Inferno” | ABS-CBN
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Dating Insights From Bumble’s Lucille McCart, As Inspired By “Single’s Inferno”
Metro.Style Team
Published Feb 28, 2024 06:00 PM PHT
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Updated Mar 01, 2024 10:18 PM PHT
Early this year, South Korean reality dating show Single’s Inferno was confirmed to return for Season 4, following the success of its third season. Single’s Inferno S3 was among the top shows on Netflix before 2023 ended. The demand for a series like this is unsurprising, as it’s highly relatable, especially for those navigating modern dating, which is a tricky subject.
Early this year, South Korean reality dating show Single’s Inferno was confirmed to return for Season 4, following the success of its third season. Single’s Inferno S3 was among the top shows on Netflix before 2023 ended. The demand for a series like this is unsurprising, as it’s highly relatable, especially for those navigating modern dating, which is a tricky subject.
In Single’s Inferno S3, for instance, viewers met Lee Gwan Hee, who appeared overly confident and insensitive with his actions and choice of words. As a result, he wound up confusing Yun Ha Jeong and Choi Hye Seon, both of whom initially showed interest in him. On the other hand, Lee Jin Seok was only focused on An Min Young in the beginning, but Min Young didn’t reciprocate the attention right away (she even gave out four candies, indicating she was drawn to four men, before the campfire huddle); but then, another woman, Cho Min Ji, wanted to get closer to Jin Seok and Min Young suddenly nagged at and became clingy with him.
In Single’s Inferno S3, for instance, viewers met Lee Gwan Hee, who appeared overly confident and insensitive with his actions and choice of words. As a result, he wound up confusing Yun Ha Jeong and Choi Hye Seon, both of whom initially showed interest in him. On the other hand, Lee Jin Seok was only focused on An Min Young in the beginning, but Min Young didn’t reciprocate the attention right away (she even gave out four candies, indicating she was drawn to four men, before the campfire huddle); but then, another woman, Cho Min Ji, wanted to get closer to Jin Seok and Min Young suddenly nagged at and became clingy with him.
In this exclusive interview, Bumble’s APAC Communications Director Lucille McCart shed some light on how “situationships” in inferno parallel modern relationships in the Philippines, as well as how to identify red, green, and beige flags within 10 days, as inspired by Single’s Inferno:
In this exclusive interview, Bumble’s APAC Communications Director Lucille McCart shed some light on how “situationships” in inferno parallel modern relationships in the Philippines, as well as how to identify red, green, and beige flags within 10 days, as inspired by Single’s Inferno:
In Single’s Inferno, age and occupation are not allowed to be revealed unless two candidates pick each other to go to Paradise. Do these two factors still matter a lot in dating today?
“While age and occupation have historically been big factors in the dating experience when assessing compatibility, they aren’t as important now as they used to be. In fact, there has been an increase in cross-generational relationships, and people on Bumble are increasingly open to connections with both older and younger matches. In a recent global survey 63% of people said that age is not a defining factor when dating, with 59% of women saying they are now more open to dating someone younger than them. This is exhibited in Gwan Hee and Hye Seon’s match with an age gap of 10 years, and [Choi] Min Woo matching with [Yu] Si Eun who is older than him by three years.”
“While age and occupation have historically been big factors in the dating experience when assessing compatibility, they aren’t as important now as they used to be. In fact, there has been an increase in cross-generational relationships, and people on Bumble are increasingly open to connections with both older and younger matches. In a recent global survey 63% of people said that age is not a defining factor when dating, with 59% of women saying they are now more open to dating someone younger than them. This is exhibited in Gwan Hee and Hye Seon’s match with an age gap of 10 years, and [Choi] Min Woo matching with [Yu] Si Eun who is older than him by three years.”
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Do Filipino women today prefer dating older men? Or, since the Bumble profiles feature the name and the age, do your users typically pick people who are younger, older, or the same age as them?
“In the Philippines specifically, we’re seeing a rise in Gen(nerational)-Blend Romance, where 4 in 5 men are now more open to dating older women. We are also becoming more accepting and open-minded towards other people’s relationships, with 50% of Filipino men and 59% of Filipino women who are on Bumble stating they have become less judgmental towards age gap relationships over the last year.
“In the Philippines specifically, we’re seeing a rise in Gen(nerational)-Blend Romance, where 4 in 5 men are now more open to dating older women. We are also becoming more accepting and open-minded towards other people’s relationships, with 50% of Filipino men and 59% of Filipino women who are on Bumble stating they have become less judgmental towards age gap relationships over the last year.
“One of the ways to lean into Gen-Blend romance would be to expand your age range preference on Bumble, while being more specific about other characteristics you might want in your future partner. The most popular Filters used in the Philippines are dating intentions (whether you are looking for a relationship, something casual, marriage, or you aren’t sure), exercise (how active you are), and smoking. You can also Filter by factors such as education, religion, height or even star sign, meaning you can be really granular about the type of person you want to date, or leave it broad. Bumble also allows you to add Interest Badges to your profile to help you connect with people you are likely to share passions with or have a lot in common with.
“One of the ways to lean into Gen-Blend romance would be to expand your age range preference on Bumble, while being more specific about other characteristics you might want in your future partner. The most popular Filters used in the Philippines are dating intentions (whether you are looking for a relationship, something casual, marriage, or you aren’t sure), exercise (how active you are), and smoking. You can also Filter by factors such as education, religion, height or even star sign, meaning you can be really granular about the type of person you want to date, or leave it broad. Bumble also allows you to add Interest Badges to your profile to help you connect with people you are likely to share passions with or have a lot in common with.
“The great thing about using technology to date is that the pool of people becomes larger and more diverse. You aren’t limited to just the people you are out with at a bar or friends of friends—you have the opportunity to open up your options in a way that you never could in real life. This can often lead to finding people who are a better match for you than you could have imagined.”
“The great thing about using technology to date is that the pool of people becomes larger and more diverse. You aren’t limited to just the people you are out with at a bar or friends of friends—you have the opportunity to open up your options in a way that you never could in real life. This can often lead to finding people who are a better match for you than you could have imagined.”
In a Bumble survey, almost half (44%) of the respondents valued emotional intimacy more than sex. In this pie chart, how many percent is sex? What are the other factors cited, and what are their corresponding percentages?
“There is no right or wrong approach to relationships, and while 44% of people on Bumble in the Philippines are saying that they value emotional intimacy more than sex, that doesn’t mean that sex isn’t important or that those who feel different are wrong. The remainder of people value sex as much or more than emotional intimacy and that is ok—both forms of intimacy are vital to a strong connection. In fact, an overwhelming majority (78%) of women in the Philippines emphasize the need for their partners to understand and appreciate both factors.”
“There is no right or wrong approach to relationships, and while 44% of people on Bumble in the Philippines are saying that they value emotional intimacy more than sex, that doesn’t mean that sex isn’t important or that those who feel different are wrong. The remainder of people value sex as much or more than emotional intimacy and that is ok—both forms of intimacy are vital to a strong connection. In fact, an overwhelming majority (78%) of women in the Philippines emphasize the need for their partners to understand and appreciate both factors.”
In Single’s Inferno, since the candidates are essentially pressed for time, they initially decide on who they’d like to get to know better through physical appearance. In Bumble, which types of profile photos usually draw the most attention?
“Profile photos play an important role in capturing other people’s attention on Bumble, and sparking initial interest, but they aren’t the only important factor. That said, we do have some tips on how to select photos that will give you the best chance at success. It's essential that your photos are recent and of high quality. Your first photo should feature just you, without any filters, sunglasses, or blurriness. While group photos can add depth, it's best to limit them to avoid confusion. Let your smile shine through, as happiness is attractive!
“Profile photos play an important role in capturing other people’s attention on Bumble, and sparking initial interest, but they aren’t the only important factor. That said, we do have some tips on how to select photos that will give you the best chance at success. It's essential that your photos are recent and of high quality. Your first photo should feature just you, without any filters, sunglasses, or blurriness. While group photos can add depth, it's best to limit them to avoid confusion. Let your smile shine through, as happiness is attractive!
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“Your photo selection will tell a story about your personality, so use this as an opportunity to communicate your interests to your potential matches. If you love to travel, then photos of you on your most recent trip can be a great conversation starter. Same goes for if you are sporty, arty, or have any unique interests that you can show off through your photo selection. Our data also shows that people who had more than three profile photos got more matches than those who used less than three photos, so make sure you maximize them!”
“Your photo selection will tell a story about your personality, so use this as an opportunity to communicate your interests to your potential matches. If you love to travel, then photos of you on your most recent trip can be a great conversation starter. Same goes for if you are sporty, arty, or have any unique interests that you can show off through your photo selection. Our data also shows that people who had more than three profile photos got more matches than those who used less than three photos, so make sure you maximize them!”
In modern dating, do you think love at first sight still happens?
“Our views about dating and relationships haven’t necessarily changed as fast as technology has. While love at first sight is still possible, we need to adapt our views on what is romantic to catch up with how we date these days. Various university studies have predicted that in the next 20 years more couples will meet online than offline, but I think a lot of people still think that meeting IRL is the ‘right’ way. For women especially we have these rom-com induced fantasies of a meet-cute with a knight in shining armor and we feel let down or like we have failed when we don’t find love this way. But you can have a virtual meet-cute and cultivate romance and desire on dating apps, we just have to reframe the way we think about it.
“Our views about dating and relationships haven’t necessarily changed as fast as technology has. While love at first sight is still possible, we need to adapt our views on what is romantic to catch up with how we date these days. Various university studies have predicted that in the next 20 years more couples will meet online than offline, but I think a lot of people still think that meeting IRL is the ‘right’ way. For women especially we have these rom-com induced fantasies of a meet-cute with a knight in shining armor and we feel let down or like we have failed when we don’t find love this way. But you can have a virtual meet-cute and cultivate romance and desire on dating apps, we just have to reframe the way we think about it.
“Prior to dating apps the only way to meet romantic partners was through our IRL network—friends, family, work. But in 2024 we aren’t going to the office half as much as we used to, and I don’t know about you but I gave up on my friends or family finding my perfect match years ago! Dating apps give us access to a diverse pool of single people in our area, and I think sometimes we overlook how cool it is that we can find people close to us that we would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.”
“Prior to dating apps the only way to meet romantic partners was through our IRL network—friends, family, work. But in 2024 we aren’t going to the office half as much as we used to, and I don’t know about you but I gave up on my friends or family finding my perfect match years ago! Dating apps give us access to a diverse pool of single people in our area, and I think sometimes we overlook how cool it is that we can find people close to us that we would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.”
What are your tips for identifying green, beige, and red flags just from looking at one’s dating app profile?
“For all of the discourse about red flags, green flags, and more recently beige flags, it is important to remember that we are all different and looking for different things. What turns one person on might turn another off, so the most important thing you can do is trust your instincts on what is right for you.”
“For all of the discourse about red flags, green flags, and more recently beige flags, it is important to remember that we are all different and looking for different things. What turns one person on might turn another off, so the most important thing you can do is trust your instincts on what is right for you.”
Green Flags
- Positive Bio: A profile with bio that demonstrates kindness, openness, and sincerity can be a good indicator of someone who values respectful communication and healthy relationships. If you also want to be that person, Bumble shares tips on how to make your profile bio shine!
- Common Interests: If you notice shared interests, hobbies, or values, it could be a green flag as it indicates potential compatibility.
- Positive Bio: A profile with bio that demonstrates kindness, openness, and sincerity can be a good indicator of someone who values respectful communication and healthy relationships. If you also want to be that person, Bumble shares tips on how to make your profile bio shine!
- Common Interests: If you notice shared interests, hobbies, or values, it could be a green flag as it indicates potential compatibility.
Beige Flags
- Limited Profile Information: A profile with minimal information may not necessarily be a red flag, but it might indicate someone who is either new to the platform or less invested in creating a comprehensive profile.
- Limited Profile Information: A profile with minimal information may not necessarily be a red flag, but it might indicate someone who is either new to the platform or less invested in creating a comprehensive profile.
Red Flags
- Incomplete or Cryptic Profiles: Red flags can include only having one photo that looks very staged or model-like, or having little to no information on their profile. Once you’ve matched with someone, refusal to have a video call, excuses as to why they can’t speak over the phone, and avoiding answering questions about themselves can be considered as red flags. These red flags can also be signs of romance scams or catfishing, so you may want to be extra vigilant here.
- Inappropriate Content: Any explicit or inappropriate content in the profile is a clear red flag. This includes offensive language, offensive jokes, or disrespectful comments.
- Incomplete or Cryptic Profiles: Red flags can include only having one photo that looks very staged or model-like, or having little to no information on their profile. Once you’ve matched with someone, refusal to have a video call, excuses as to why they can’t speak over the phone, and avoiding answering questions about themselves can be considered as red flags. These red flags can also be signs of romance scams or catfishing, so you may want to be extra vigilant here.
- Inappropriate Content: Any explicit or inappropriate content in the profile is a clear red flag. This includes offensive language, offensive jokes, or disrespectful comments.
What are some of the must-know terms people should be aware of today to better navigate the modern dating scene?
“Navigating the modern dating scene can sometimes feel like learning a new language, but knowing some key terms can help you stay informed and communicate effectively.”
“Navigating the modern dating scene can sometimes feel like learning a new language, but knowing some key terms can help you stay informed and communicate effectively.”
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- Consider-date (v): Consider-date is a trend where people are reframing how they date to better protect their mental health, and are actively ‘slow-dating’ to prioritize quality over quantity.
- Val-core dating (v): Val-Core refers to the rise of people valuing engagement on social causes and issues that matter to them.
- Consider-date (v): Consider-date is a trend where people are reframing how they date to better protect their mental health, and are actively ‘slow-dating’ to prioritize quality over quantity.
- Val-core dating (v): Val-Core refers to the rise of people valuing engagement on social causes and issues that matter to them.
“To help our community keep up with the latest terms and phrases, we’ve also identified some trends that will be helpful to know so you can actively avoid people who are exhibiting these behaviors, or stop yourself in time in case you spot these tell-tale signs during your own interactions with a potential partner.”
“To help our community keep up with the latest terms and phrases, we’ve also identified some trends that will be helpful to know so you can actively avoid people who are exhibiting these behaviors, or stop yourself in time in case you spot these tell-tale signs during your own interactions with a potential partner.”
- Catfishing (v): Presenting a false version of yourself online, either with fake or heavily doctored photos or false profile information, in order to lure someone into dating you. (Again, we have profile verification on Bumble to mitigate this!)
- Ghosting (v): When someone disappears out of a relationship without a word. They suddenly stop responding to texts and calls and you never hear from them again. You may check out our full guide to ghosting here!
- Zombieing (v): Zombieing is when people you thought have long been gone, suddenly reappear in your life, often causing confusion and mixed emotions.
- Energy Vampires (n): Energy Vampires are potential romantic interests or partners who drain your emotional energy by constantly needing your attention and care, leaving you exhausted and overwhelmed.
- Green-eyed monsters (n): Green-Eyed Monsters are partners who are always jealous or envious of the other partner, often due to perceived threats or insecurities.
- Catfishing (v): Presenting a false version of yourself online, either with fake or heavily doctored photos or false profile information, in order to lure someone into dating you. (Again, we have profile verification on Bumble to mitigate this!)
- Ghosting (v): When someone disappears out of a relationship without a word. They suddenly stop responding to texts and calls and you never hear from them again. You may check out our full guide to ghosting here!
- Zombieing (v): Zombieing is when people you thought have long been gone, suddenly reappear in your life, often causing confusion and mixed emotions.
- Energy Vampires (n): Energy Vampires are potential romantic interests or partners who drain your emotional energy by constantly needing your attention and care, leaving you exhausted and overwhelmed.
- Green-eyed monsters (n): Green-Eyed Monsters are partners who are always jealous or envious of the other partner, often due to perceived threats or insecurities.
Interview by Grace Libero-Cruz
Interview by Grace Libero-Cruz
Lead photos from @lucillemccart and Netflix
Lead photos from @lucillemccart and Netflix
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