The emergence of the dating app in the digital realm:
In the world of tech entrepreneurship, Whitney Wolfe Herd made a name for herself by founding Bumble, a groundbreaking dating platform where only women can make the first move. This bold move came after her departure from Tinder, following a dispute that made headlines in 2014.
The film "Swiped," directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg, tells this captivating story. British actress Lily James takes on the role of Whitney, brilliantly portraying her journey from leaving Tinder to the creation of Bumble. The film is now available for streaming on Disney+.
"Swiped" delves into Whitney's personal life as well, showcasing her tumultuous relationship with Justin, a co-founder of Tinder. Their toxic relationship adds another layer of complexity to Whitney's story, further highlighting the challenges she faced post-Tinder.
The film also sheds light on the open sexism, bullying, and abuse of power Whitney experienced in the tech world, both within the apps and at her workplace. This portrayal underscores the struggles faced by many women in the industry.
Despite its entertaining and amusing narrative, "Swiped" feels like a Hollywood cliché when depicting Whitney's post-Tinder success story. However, the film's genuine interest in Whitney's story is evident, as shown by the strong female team across different departments and as producers.
Lily James found the story of Whitney Wolfe Herd and Bumble inspiring and motivating. In preparation for the role, she even tested a friend's dating app to get a feel for the world of online dating.
It's worth noting that Whitney did not participate in the making of "Swiped" due to a confidentiality agreement following an out-of-court settlement with Tinder. The film is based solely on extensive media coverage from the time.
Russian investor Andrey Andreev supported Whitney in founding Bumble, which has since become a significant player in the dating app market. In Germany alone, approximately 7.5 million people use dating apps like Tinder or Bumble.
"Swiped" joins the ranks of films like "The Social Network" and "Steve Jobs" as Hollywood's take on the success stories of tech entrepreneurs. Whether you're a fan of these films or new to the genre, "Swiped" offers an engaging and thought-provoking look into the life of Whitney Wolfe Herd and the world of dating apps.
