What You May Have Known Already About Dating Apps But Try to Ignore

Dating apps are the go-to when singles, divorced daters, and the curious just can't get around like they once did to meet people (you have all things related to Covid 19 to thank for that)!  Meanwhile, loneliness, depression, boredom, anger, sex withdrawal related issues..., you name the challenge, and it's all getting the best of so many singles!  

Online dating services are supposed to be an aid, a scratch for that itch--lol.  However, when money, time, and energy are personal problems for the frustrated lover, one will eventually find using a dating app is not the best solution but for now, it is what it is.

The reality is there are those online dating services who have a long list of consumer complaints and for others lawsuits.  Some of you probably know all-too-well what some of these dating companies do to lure the gullible, desperate, sad, and lonely to there good-for-nothing dating websites!  From attractive men and women, cool features to communicate, and fun activities, whatever it takes to keep the curious coming back for more, but at what price?

Safety and Security Breaches

Dating app Zoosk, as well as other online dating apps, were attacked by hackers back in May 2020.  Over 30 million user records had been compromised.  As much as you would like to think your personal identifying information is safe, think again!  Dating Site Zoosk Hit with Class Action Lawsuit Over May 2020 Data Breach  If this can happen to Zoosk, it sure can happen to many other dating apps, guard your private information!  Use a prepaid debit card if you are going to use these sites and avoid using your real name, your main email account, your real phone number, etc.

Fraudulent Activities

With so many people unemployed, the last thing they want to know is that a major dating company is taking advantage of them monetarily.  A class action lawsuit was launched against Bumble in 2020 for failing to inform members of their legal right to cancel their Bumble Boost subscription.  They made it difficult for them to cancel their membership and didn't inform them of their auto-renewals.  The issues dated back to November 2014 through July 2020. 

Back in 2019, one of the most popular dating app owners Match Group, responsible for Match and who also owns other dating apps: Tinder, OkCupid, Hinge, PlentyofFish and others, was caught in 2019 and sued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for fraudulent business practices. "According to the FTC, Match tricked hundreds of thousands of consumers into buying subscriptions, exposed customers to the risk of fraud and engaged in other deceptive and unfair practices," as mentioned in an article that appeared on TechCrunch.com: Dating app maker Match sued.

Questionable Registered Users, Fake Dating Profiles

Does a dating website or app really have as many genuine registered users as they claim?  Do they have as many available single men and women that they boast about it?  Why so many fake dating profiles?  It's a game of bots and numbers.  Bots engage the public so that they will keep visiting the dating app or website.  As for numbers, the more a dating app company boasts about things like how many registered users or active profiles, the better for them to get more genuine registered users.  

You will be drawn to an online service that claims millions of users, even though there are many of fake profiles, because you believe your chance of meeting Mr. Right or Ms. Right is highly likely.  Meanwhile, the scammers are among the audience and they hope that they will be able to connect with a gullible single who eventually will turnover money, time and opportunity to help inflate their bank accounts. 

Back in 2013, a worker who was responsible for typing hundreds of fake profiles sued her employer for wrist injuries. According to the article that appeared on City News, "Doriana Silva is seeking $20 million from Ashley Madison for what she calls the company’s “unjust enrichment” at her expense, plus another $1 million in punitive and general damages."

Discrimination

How many dating apps and dating websites have you visited where you noticed that something was a bit "off" whether you are heterosexual, gay, black or white, it seems like you or others are being ignored.  It seems like some dating profiles have more attention than others, hmmm.  You might even pay to rank higher than others yet you don't get as many views.  Was it something you said in your description, your photo, or something else, like you don't fit the culture of the dating app community? How to Deal With Discrimination When Dating Online (top10.com)

The concerns of online daters are real and if you dare to use an online dating service, you best beware that all that appears to be "too good to be true" usually is!  Hopefully, you or a friend will one day meet  your connection the old school way once again like at a party, a family gathering, a grocery store, a concert, a park or a workplace.

All the best!

Nicholl McGuire is the blog owner and contributor. Also, the author of Too Much Too Soon Internet Dating Blues.