Tinder: Investigation reveals the dark side of the dating app | Four Corners

ABC News In-depth29 minutes read

Tinder, Grindr, Bumble, and Hinge are popular dating apps, with Tinder highlighted for its role in changing how people meet but also exposing users to sexual assault risks. Despite reports of assault incidents linked to these apps, there is a lack of national data and accountability, with users expressing frustration over the lack of response and action from Tinder, signaling a failure to prioritize user safety.

Insights

  • Tinder's immense popularity has revolutionized how people connect to seek partners, but the program sheds light on a dark side, revealing instances of sexual assault linked to the platform, with victims sharing harrowing experiences and highlighting the lack of accountability that allows offenders to evade consequences.
  • Despite its surge in subscriptions and revenue, Tinder's design, which encourages addictive behavior, has faced criticism for fostering an environment where sexual predators thrive, leading to calls for increased accountability and action from the platform to address reported incidents effectively, as highlighted by cases like Glenn Hartland's and research by Rosalie Glet.

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Recent questions

  • What dating apps are discussed in the program?

    Tinder, Grindr, Bumble, Hinge

  • How does Tinder inadvertently aid sexual predators?

    Lack of accountability, offenders block victims, evade consequences

  • Are there national figures on dating app-related assaults?

    No

  • How does Tinder respond to reports of sexual assault?

    Lack of response, generic responses, lack of follow-up

  • What impact did COVID-19 lockdowns have on Tinder?

    Surge in popularity, increased subscriptions, revenue

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Dating Apps: Risks and Dark Realities

  • Tinder and Grindr are popular dating apps discussed in the program.
  • Bumble and Hinge are also mentioned as dating apps.
  • Tinder is highlighted as a platform where millions seek partners, changing how people meet.
  • The program delves into the dark side of Tinder, revealing instances of sexual assault.
  • Victims share harrowing experiences of assault by individuals met through Tinder.
  • The program exposes how Tinder's design inadvertently aids sexual predators.
  • The lack of accountability on Tinder allows offenders to block victims and evade consequences.
  • Cases of sexual assault linked to dating apps are documented by forensic experts.
  • Despite the prevalence of assaults, there are no national figures on dating app-related assaults.
  • Users are cautioned to exercise caution when using dating apps due to the inherent risks involved.

20:28

"Tinder's Failure to Address Sexual Assault Reports"

  • Emily reported a man to Tinder, struggling to find the reporting process on the website.
  • She provided detailed information about the man, labeling him as dangerous, but received only an automated response.
  • After discovering abusive messages sent by the man to other women, Emily reported him again, leading to his account removal.
  • 48 individuals, including Emily, reported sexual offenses to Tinder, with only 11 receiving a response.
  • Users expressed frustration over generic responses and lack of follow-up from Tinder after reporting incidents.
  • Rosalie Glet's research highlights Tinder's failure to respond to reports of sexual assault, enabling perpetrators.
  • Users described feeling ignored and unsafe due to Tinder's lack of action on reported incidents.
  • Tinder's popularity surged during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with increased subscriptions and revenue.
  • Tinder's design encourages addictive behavior, pushing users to pay for additional features and subscriptions.
  • Match Group, Tinder's parent company, faced legal action for deceptive practices, including fake love interest ads.
  • Glenn Hartland, a serial rapist who targeted victims on Tinder, was convicted after a lengthy legal process, leading to tragic consequences for his victims.

41:18

Tinder's negligence in user safety accountability

  • International companies like Tinder need to be held accountable for their actions, especially in smaller countries like Australia where they may feel immune to local laws. Despite making billions of dollars off users seeking love and friendship, Tinder fails to prioritize user safety, leading to vulnerable situations that they do not take seriously.
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