Feeld Gains Popularity Among Straight-Dating Crowd, Frustrates Users of Alternative Community
A growing number of users on the dating app Feeld are identifying as straight or monogamous, despite the platform’s origins as a hub for unconventional and non-monogamous relationships. The shift has left some long-time users feeling frustrated and excluded from their own community. Feeld, which was launched in 2015, was initially marketed as an inclusive space where users could explore various forms of non-traditional dating and relationships. However, over the past year, there has been a noticeable increase in straight and monogamous individuals joining the platform. Some users are expressing concern that Feeld’s popularity is being hijacked by those with more “mainstream” preferences, leaving those who identify as LGBTQ+ or prefer alternative relationship structures feeling like they no longer have a space to belong. “This is not what I signed up for,” said one user, who wished to remain anonymous. “I was excited to find a community of like-minded individuals, but now it feels like the normies are taking over.” Others have taken to social media to express their discontent, using hashtags such as #FeeldIsNotForMe and #NormieHell. Despite the backlash, Feeld’s creators say they are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment for all users. “We’ve always strived to be a platform that is welcoming to everyone, regardless of their relationship status or preferences,” said a spokesperson for the company. However, it remains to be seen how Feeld will balance its commitment to inclusivity with the growing demand from straight and monogamous users.