Grindr has been testing a new chatroom feature over the past few months, which gives users a space to discuss their favourite topics.
There has been no official announcement about ‘Circles’ from the gay dating app, but some users have shared comments and screenshots online. Some of the available rooms include discussions about LGBTQ activism, video games and the latest episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Members can also send images in the chats, giving them an opportunity to talk about artwork they’ve created or photographs they’ve taken.
One anonymous user told The Art Newspaper: “I love the idea of art-sharing among my fellow gays. I’ve had some genuinely lovely conversations with people about it.
“We’ve shared ideas, appreciated each other’s work, given notes where necessary.”
However, complaints have surfaced that say some people are using ‘Circles’ as another channel to share unsolicited nude images. There appears to be no evidence to suggest that the rooms are moderated.
Grindr has previously allowed users to create group chats so they can have discussions and make plans with their friends on the app. ‘Circles’ is different as people don’t know who they’re connecting with until they’re in the room.
The app promised to remove its controversial ethnicity filter at the beginning of June to show support with the Black Lives Matter movement. It has been criticised in the past by people claiming that the filter facilitated sexual racism.
Read more here.