Tinder? I barely know her! -ethics in the dating craze

The discussion around Tinder nowadays has less to do with the principal of swiping left or right, but the motive behind downloading the app. Known as the “hookup app”, Tinder has taken on the reputation of being the app resulting in more hook-ups than relationships. Along with this reputation are the many known instances of catfishing (posing as someone you’re not), stalking, and in some unfortunate circumstances, sexual assault.

Tinder has since implemented various terms to help prevent this all from happening, but more can still be done. I believe that there are various steps that still need to be taken in order to improve their app, first starting with a Code of Ethics :

1. Prevention : Tinder values the safety of our users, which is why each user’s identity/profile is verified through our servers before they are released on the app. Catfishes and criminals have no place on our app, and verification is the first step to ensuring the safety of our users. At any moment, Tinder can help to prevent unfortunate situations.
2. Take Action : Tinder is dedicated to resolving any and all issues our users may have with or within our service. This includes but is not limited to eliminating potential scam/catfish accounts, working alongside criminal investigations, and ensuring the safety of our users.
3. Diversity : Tinder believes that diversity is an integral part in making connections. Tinder will not only promote diversity, but encourage it on the app.
4. Promote Safe Interactions : Tinder knows that love-at-first-swipe won’t always happen; sometimes it’s “love-at-fourth-date-after-a-lot-of-texting-and-getting-to-know-each-other-but-still-having-thoughts-that-they-might-be-a-serial-killer”. Tinder wants to help ensure the safety of our users; making safety signals and help available at all times.

For Tinder’s Consideration….

I strongly believe that Tinder has great potential to make life-long matches built on true connection, as well as combat and prevent unfortunate situations that might arise from the app. While a Code of Ethics can help in this effort, major changes and features can be made to further help the dating app. These are a few features I believe Tinder should consider implementing in order to maintain this Code of Ethics.

1. Date notification: in order to eliminate cases of assault and kidnapping, Tinder can implement a date feature, allowing users to make the app aware of any meetings that may take place from the app.
2. Flagged Words & Phrases: while some words and phrases have double-meaning, many have negative connotations. Tinder can flag users who use derogatory language and choose to take action from there.
3. Reporting Through Tinder: many unfortunate circumstances that result from Tinder have a lot to do with user’s identities being a secret: with first names only, many victims are unable to file reports against their attackers because they do not have enough information. Filing a report through Tinder not only notifies Tinder of the harmful user, but allows Tinder to share that user’s information with the police.

*This post is reflective of my own views, and is not affiliated with the dating app, Tinder*