Tinder tests out new height filter to help people connect more intentionally

You must be this tall to swipe.Is the reign of the short king over on Tinder? The platform has been accused of superficiality after testing out a new feature that allows users to screen potential matches based on height.“This is part of a broader effort to help people connect more intentionally on Tinder,” a rep for the dating platform told Mashable of the controversial new measure.The new vetting function, which came to light via Reddit and other platforms, is located in the Discovery section of the digital romance service and lets users specify the minimum and maximum heights of their matches.

The function will only be available to users who subscribe to Tinder Platinum, a premier subscription tier that starts at $39.99 per month.Along with the new height option, the tier also includes prioritized likes, a specific interest filter, a message before you match function, and more.Meanwhile, regular tier users can already customize several search preferences within the Discovery Settings, including age range, sexual orientation and distance. Reps for the platform, which is owned by Match Group, assure users that this height screener is being trialed as a paid preference rather than a set-in-stone filter.The idea is that paid preferences such as height allow the user greater autonomy without completely cutting off certain matches, Mashable reported.“We’re always listening to what matters most to our Tinder users — and testing the paid height preference is a great example of how we’re building with urgency, clarity, and focus,” the Tinder spokesperson said.

“Not every test becomes a permanent feature, but every test helps us learn how we can deliver smarter, more relevant experiences and push the category forward.However, this digital yardstick didn’t sit well with many critics on social media, some of whom accused the app of height supremacy.“Justice for all us short kings!” declared one.“Tinder is implementing a height filter and it will all...