Bumble Explores Political Conversation in the Dating Space
Bumble is taking a bold stance ahead of Australia’s Federal Election, launching a new campaign that puts political discourse at the center of modern dating. Teaming up with political commentator Hannah Ferguson, the dating app aims to challenge long-standing taboos about discussing politics in romantic contexts.
Ferguson, known for her podcast BigSmallTalk, recently interviewed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and has become a prominent voice for engaging younger Australians in political dialogue. As part of the campaign, she draws on polling data from more than 7,200 Australians via Cheek Media Co. to offer practical dating insights rooted in real political diversity and generational attitudes.
While 80% of respondents said they would reveal their voting preferences on a first date, a majority (64%) still believe it’s not possible to date someone with opposing political views. Additionally, 77% indicated they’d prefer a partner who is “not political” over someone who actively supports an opposing view. Despite this, 36% remain open to dating across political lines.
Ferguson’s role includes creating original content for Bumble that provides advice on navigating these conversations, including how to manage boundaries and find shared values. The platform has also partnered with independent media outlet Missing Perspectives to launch Leave It On The Table, a new video series hosted by Charlotte Ree that brings together diverse voices for dinner-table discussions on dating and politics.
This initiative is part of Bumble’s broader strategy to facilitate meaningful dialogue around socially relevant issues, particularly for women. It also reflects a broader trend in the industry toward community-driven campaigns that blend cultural relevance with data-driven storytelling. While other platforms like OKCupid have recently looked into the politics of dating in the United States, Australia’s upcoming elections have made this a perfect time for Bumble to pursue this kind of partnership.
