How Bedpage has replaced the Craigslist Personals
For over a decade, Craigslist personals were some of the most visited websites on the internet, where one could find casual encounters, dating, and highly unusual personal ads. From people seeking casual relationships to those searching for long-term companionship, Craigslist's personals section offered a place to connect. In 2018, however, it pulled a surprising reversal and abruptly shut down its personals section following the passing of new laws. Since then, websites that are newcomers to the scene have sprouted up to take their place. Bedpage is one such more prominent websites for those seeking casual or escort-style personals.
1. Why Did Craigslist Close Its Personals Section?
The shutdown of Craigslist personals came along with the enacted FOSTA-SESTA Act, Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, in the United States. It was posed to help fight online sex trafficking by holding websites liable for any content perceived to promote or facilitate such illegal activities. Faced with possible legal complications, Craigslist took the proactive measure of shuttering its wholesale personals section, thus ending one of the longest-running spaces on the internet catered to connecting in casual ways.
For so many, this was a huge loss; besides, Craigslist personals offered a hugely accessible and pretty anonymous way to meet people sharing interests and intentions alike. In this respect, alternative websites did not waste any time in filling this gap; among them included Bedpage.
2. The Rise of Bedpage: A New Craigslist Alternative
Since the shutdown of the Craigslist personals, many ex-users have been finding their way to other alternative platforms where personal ads can be put or casual connections found. Immediately after, Bedpage rose in popularity as it sought to replicate the experience that Craigslist offered.
What is Bedpage?
Bedpage is an online classifieds website that operates like Craigslist, containing various categories where a wide variety of ads-from jobs to real estate to personal ads-can be placed. However, it has definitely been embraced most of all by those in search of its personals section-a place whereby users can post ads for casual encounters, dating, and adult services. Essentially, it stepped right in to fill the gap left by Craigslist and gave them what they wanted: a personal ad space within an environment that feels all too familiar to that of Craigslist.
3. Bedpage Features and Categories
Bedpage offers numerous categories, much like Craigslist, to refine searches for whatever type of connection or service a user is seeking. Those seeking casual relationships or companionship will find it contains sections for dating, casual encounters, and even escort services. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular Bedpage sections:
Casual Encounters: This category is where people looking for a no-strings-attached casual relationship meet. It's kinda similar to Craigslist' Casual Encounters category.
Dating/Relationships: Where one can post their ads for those interested in old-school dating, with the option to say whether it is for short or long-term.
Escort Services: This is one of the most dominating categories on Bedpage, wherein people look for someone to share companionship or escorts in a professional and controlled environment.
These categories allow the users to connect with others and relationships of different natures, serving varied needs of users who once used Craigslist personals.
4. Reasons Why Bedpage Became Popular as Replacement to Craigslist
Bedpage gained wide acceptance as one of the replacement websites to Craigslist due to several reasons:
Familiar Layout: Bedpage designed its website after Craigslist, so navigating through it is pretty easy for anyone used to Craigslist. Full Range of Categories: From casual dating to companionship, paid services, and more, there's a category to suit just about any need in Bedpage.
Ease of Use: The website is friendly, and it's pretty easy to post an ad, look for listings, or connect with people.
? Anonymity: Bedpage allows its users, like Craigslist, to remain pseudonymous in their interactions, which helps users who want casual or private dates.
With these features, Bedpage has become a landing site for Craigslist would-be users and others looking for a more direct alternative for personal ads.
Though the shutdown of Craigslist closed an era in online dating and casual encounter websites, other sites like Bedpage immediately stepped into its place. It has a very familiar design, with categories differed by the types they apply to, and is quite easy to use. A lot of people have thought of Bedpage as one of the great alternatives to Craigslist in terms of casual dating, escort services, and other personal ads catering to specific needs. For those who would miss the experience on Craigslist, Bedpage, or other similar websites, new ways of connecting with people could be offered, and safety and thoughtfulness are always crucial in these encounters.