(Photo Source: techcrunch.com)

Facebook now serves as a social media dating app

Couples have been meeting online for years–but social media giant Facebook is finally getting into the online dating game, and is rolling out a dating feature for users in the United States. The feature will put pressure on other dating apps and sites, including Match.com and Tinder.

Facebook announced the new feature in a blog post, assuring users it would be “safe” and “inclusive.”

“Facebook Dating makes it easier to find love through what you like–helping you start meaningful relationships through things you have in common, like interests, events and groups. It takes the work out of creating a dating profile and gives you a more authentic look at who someone is,” Facebook said in the blog post. “Today, we’re launching Facebook Dating in the US. We’re also giving people the ability to integrate their Instagram posts directly into their Facebook Dating profile and giving people the ability to add Instagram followers to their Secret Crush lists, in addition to Facebook friends.”

Facebook said it will have a variety of safety features available to users, “including the ability to report and block anyone; prohibiting people from sending photos, links, payments or videos in messages; and by providing easy access to safety tips.”