As tensions continue to rise across West Asia, a rather unusual concept linked to bomb shelters has sparked a wave of reactions online. The idea of a so - called “bomb shelter dating app” has drawn criticism on social media, with many users questioning its timing amid the ongoing conflict.
The concept was highlighted in a post shared byIsrael’s Ministry of Foreign AffairsonX (Twitter). According to the post, singles taking refuge in the same bunker during missile alerts can connect with one another using a QR-based system connected to a dating platform.
The Ministry explaining the concept, wrote on X, “Shows who's single because even under fire, love goes on.”
The initiative reportedly works through a speed-dating platform calledHooked. While the app was originally designed to help people meet quickly in social settings, it has now been adapted for use during emergency shelter situations.
In certain shelters, a QR code is placed near the entrance. People entering the bunker can scan the code to check whether other singles are present inside the same shelter, potentially turning a tense waiting period during air-raid sirens into a chance to start a conversation.
The post also pointed to other digital tools residents have begun using as missile alerts become more frequent. One such tool is a “bomb shelter tracker,” which records how often individuals have to rush to shelters when sirens sound. It can also estimate how much sleep users lose due to repeated nighttime warnings.
The unusual idea also drew a reaction fromMike Huckabee, the United States Ambassador to Israel, who reshared the post on X and added a light-hearted remark. “Someday they will tell their kids ‘we met on a dating app in a shelter while dodging ballistic missiles.’”
Despite the attempt to inject humour into a tense situation, many people online reacted negatively to the idea. Several users criticised the concept of “bomb shelter dating,” arguing that it felt inappropriate during an active conflict. One user wrote, ''This is kind of creepy,'' while another added, ''This is gross. People are dying. People are mourning. Don’t do this.''
The controversy comes amid escalating hostilities in the region.Israeland theUnited Statescarried out joint military strikes onIranon February 28, in which Iran’s Supreme LeaderAyatollah Ali Khameneiwas reportedly killed. In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting US allies across the Middle East, includingSaudi Arabiaand theUnited Arab Emirates.
GetLatest NewsLive on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines fromViraland around theWorld.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
