Hornet, the world’s premier gay social network with over 25 million users globally, today announces the launch of its Version 6 to empower gay men to come out and join in the fun and fabulousness of the gay community with even more authenticity than before.
Introducing a first-of-its-kind, machine learning-based verification system, Hornet is expanding on its mission to be the authentic digital home for the gay community, fostering a safe and affirming environment where people can express all the different and wonderful parts of themselves. The new verification system is based on an elaborate and dynamic machine algorithm that takes into account a user’s online activity and community-based interactions. Users can now earn the new Hornet Badge, prominently displayed throughout the app, allowing others to easily identify the most genuine profiles.
The new Hornet Badge is also a key element of the very first bifurcated chat inbox on a gay app. The inbox design makes it easy for users to focus on those messages that speak to them, such as those from existing connections, people they follow, and other users who have earned the Hornet Badge. All other messages will remain in a secondary inbox, out of sight unless the user chooses to respond to them.
“Hornet’s verification system is community-based and encourages users to open up about themselves as authentically as possible, while being kept safe within the confines of a gay app, constantly monitored by over 10,000 moderators and Hornet staff,” says Matt Norris, VP of Product at Hornet. “As a result, queer men learn about the benefits of embracing their true selves, feeling more understood and less lonely with the support of the 400 million-strong LGBTQ+ community. Unlike offline resources, which are confined to relatively few cities, Hornet is available online, anywhere around the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
“As a gay guy, I experienced how rewarding it was to become comfortable with my sexual identity, thanks to the help and visibility of role models, whom I met in cities like San Francisco. I suddenly belonged to this group of diverse people, bonded together by working to overcome discrimination and prejudice, and the shared experience of coming out in a heteronormative world,” says Christof Wittig, founder and CEO of Hornet. “Today, social networks need to give new answers to growing privacy concerns and increasing levels of abuse through catfish, imposters and manipulators. We feel that a community-based verification system, powered by cutting-edge technology, works best for the gay community. I am proud that Hornet continues to be at the forefront of defining what a gay app is, and how Hornet helps gay men everywhere connect to their community.”
Hornet Version 6 is available for free download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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About Hornet
Founded in 2011, Hornet is the world’s premier gay social network. With over 25 million users globally, the Hornet mission is to inspire and empower gay men to create a global, connected community that moves society forward. Powered by cutting-edge technology, Hornet has become the number one gay app in markets like France, Russia, Brazil, Turkey, and Taiwan, and is rapidly expanding its sizable user base in the United States. More information at hornet.com
Hornet – Connect to Your Community
Media inquiries: Stephan Horbelt, Executive Editor, stephan.horbelt@hornet.com
