Facebook said to be testing a Tinder-like feature for Messenger

Facebook has always wanted to be people's one-stop destination for all their personal and social networking. So after prodding you about 'People you may know', Facebook is now asking if you "Want to meet up with XYZ this week?"

As first noticed by Jacob Dubé at Motherboard, Facebook Messenger is testing a Tinder-like feature that lets users connect if they both agree to hang out together. Interestingly, the functionality looks quite similar to some of Snapchat’s efforts to get you to interact with friends you haven’t traded messages with in a while.

The feature works only for those in your friends' list and not strangers. You can respond with a Yes or a No Thanks, and you’ll be notified only if both parties answer positively.

A Facebook spokesman told Motherboard, “People often use Facebook to make plans with their friends. So, we’re running a very small test in the Facebook app to make that easier.” The test appears to be running in New Zealand and Toronto only.

Looks like Facebook's 'copying'-affair with Snapchat is over now and Facebook may have found a new inspiration in Tinder. Though the initial reaction of users doesn't look very forthcoming, for those who are not in constant contact with all of their friends, it might be a treat to have a spontaneous meet-up arranged by Facebook’s algorithms.