Facebook has played cupid to many couples in its illustrious decade-long history. Now it looks like it is time for Facebook to immerse itself into the world of dating, albeit with a twist. Rumours have emerged that Facebook might be mulling over buying controversial app Bang With Friends.
According to a TechCrunch report, sources acquainted with this matter have said that the purchase of Bang With Friends will officially mark Facebook’s foray into the world of online dating. The same sources have said that Facebook is considering closing the purchase for a cool $30 million that will include cash and stocks.
Bang with Friends has had a controversial history ever since it hit the market earlier this year. Using the app, users can figure out people in your friend list who could potentially be up for sexual encounters. The USP of the service is that it is as anonymous as it can get, cutting down the risk of potential embarrassment and rejection. The app only alerts users of a potential hookup if both parties express interest by selecting what is called the "Down to Bang" button.
The makers of the app have chosen to remain anonymous but are said to be three “college aged” men. Understandably, they have a strong grip on the pulse of college trends and that’s exactly what Facebook aims to capitalise on. According to sources, Mark Zuckerberg decided to pick this up following the immense popularity of dating apps like Tinder, Crazy Blind Date and Grouper.
Facebook also apparently tried to clone the product before approaching the founders of Bang With Friends. After all, it is Facebook that forms the basis of the app. There are rumours floating around that Google too could be prepping an app that hooks you up with friends who are up for a hook-up.
A source says that Facebook considers the online dating space to be “bigger than e-commerce”, and with good reason. One is more likely to want to see which of their friends could potentially turn into a partner than want to buy something off the site. The site did give online stalking a whole new meaning, after all. Maybe it is time for it to take a step forward after nearly a decade of silently watching to make that first move.
Yahoo too seems to have Bang with Friends on its radar as a possible acquisition; Facebook better step on it!
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