# Aided Affection Targeting LGBT couples, romance apps expand to include niche market segments. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jan 30, 2014, updated Jan 31, 2014 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/aided-affection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Aided Affection trend? **Aided Affection:** Creating an inclusive experience, apps that expand on the traditional view of relationships are helping to connect those of all sexual orientations for an accurate inclusion of modern romances. Recognizing the stunted nature of only marketing to one sex and/or sexuality, brands are creating followings rooted in trust and acceptance rather than more fleeting notions for a more intimate brand-consumer experience. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 19, 2013 to Jan 30, 2014 - Published: Jan 30, 2014 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Aided Affection trend ### Inclusive and niche dating apps Developing dating apps that address the varied needs and orientations of users provides a more intimate brand-consumer experience, rooted in trust and acceptance, and opens opportunities for more targeted marketing campaigns for businesses. ### Location-based privacy control feature for dating apps Giving more control over the flow of personal information and location data to users that are concerned over their privacy helps make them more comfortable with registering on dating apps, thereby increasing the app's user base. ### Travel and event-based LGBT exploration apps Creating travel and event-based apps for the LGBT community that facilitate crowd-sourced feedback and information to plan trips and discover nearby hotspots presents a myriad of opportunities for emerging businesses in the travel industry. ## What the Aided Affection trend means for industry ### For Dating Services Developing dating apps that address the varied needs and orientations of users can carve out a market segment, and open opportunities for businesses in marketing, PR, and advertising campaigns. ### For Data Privacy The trend in location-based privacy settings may open up opportunities in privacy and data security services and software as consumers become more conscious of their location data and online privacy. ### For Travel and Events Creating travel and event-based apps that facilitate crowd-sourced feedback and information to plan trips and discover nearby hotspots presents a myriad of opportunities for emerging businesses in the travel and event marketing industries. ## Trend signals for Aided Affection Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 28%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 68% - Activity: 28% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Aided Affection trend 4 featured examples from Nov 19, 2013 to Jan 30, 2014. - [LGBT Event Exploration Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaycities-app): The GayCities App Makes Exploring New Cities Much More Interactive (Category: World) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating technology and data analytics to create personalized travel experiences, tailored recommendations, and seamless navigation for trave… - [Social Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-dating-apps): The 'Avalable' Dating App is Like a Social Network for Those Looking for Love (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Social dating apps represent a potential disruption in the online dating industry as they provide a different approach to matchmaking. - [Revolutionary LGBT Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wing-maam): The Wing Ma'am App by Ariella Furman is Revolutionizing LGBT Dating (Category: Tech) Implication: The Wing Ma'am app and similar LGBT dating apps are disrupting the online dating industry by catering to niche markets and offering new features that cater to the needs and prefer… - [Online Positioning Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/singles-around-me-app): Find Singles in Your Area with the Singles Around Me App (Category: Tech) Implication: Singles Around Me is a part of the Online Dating Industry, which could benefit from finding innovative ways to solve the privacy concerns of users. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)