SAN FRANCISCO — Some people turn to online dating to find that special someone. And apparently an increasing number are looking for special someones.
OKCupid is adding features for polyamarous users. A new option lets couples who are in open relationships and looking for additional partners link their profiles together. Both partners have to opt in.
The new settings mean anyone searching for open relationships will be able to find these couples, and anyone searching for strictly monogamous relationships won’t see them at all. Users already had the option to mark their relationship type as monogamous or non-monagmous.
“We saw a need coming from current users in non-monogamous relationships (including the validation of “yes, my partner does really approve of this”),” said Jimena Almendares, OKCupid’s chief product officer. “We identified a trend toward more openness, and even curiosity, regarding non-monogamous and open relationships.”
Including polyamory is just the latest move by OKCupid to serve a broader range of customers and romantic interests. Last year, it added 12 sexual orientation options and 22 gender options. It was a big jump from the previous choices of just gay, straight or bisexual men or women.
The site has a lot of data to support the move. When creating their profiles, OKCupid users are asked if they would consider being part of a committed polyamorous relationship. Of the people who answered the question, 39% said they could be convinced. Similarly, 24% of its users who answered a question about group sex expressed “serious interest” in the practice.
The new couple feature is available to everyone starting today.
