Bumble has officially dropped its signature women-first messaging rule, allowing men to start conversations as the dating app prepares for an even bigger overhaul. Since launching in 2014, Bumble has been known for requiring women to send the first message in heterosexual matches. The company began loosening that restriction with Opening Moves in 2024, which let men respond to prompts chosen by women. Now, Bumble says anyone can send the opening message after matching, regardless of gender. BumbleBumble says women wanted men to message firstAccording to Mashable, Bumble found that 66% of surveyed women preferred men to initiate conversations.