There is a more sinister side to dating apps than simply struggling to find a gentleman who doesn’t ghost you. And, that is the prevalence of violence against women online. A concern that also often extends to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
For example, Dr Dana McKay, a Senior Lecturer in Innovative Interactive Technologies at RMIT University, points out that while dating apps collect extensive data on users, they have yet to utilise this information effectively to enhance user safety. And, despite the industry’s recent efforts to improve safety – such as the voluntary safety code adopted by popular platforms like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Grindr, RSVP, and Harmony – these measures have not yet sufficiently tackled the inherent risks.
Measures to reduce violence against women online
Dr McKay suggests that dating apps could significantly improve safety by integrating several measures. One potential step is implementing identity verification processes. Although users need not disclose their real identities to potential partners, verifying that they are who they claim to be could deter malicious behavior. Additionally, incorporating police checks or monitoring for red flags such as unsolicited sharing of intimate images could help identify and mitigate potential threats.
The fundamental issue is that dating apps lack the built-in security that traditional social settings, like bars or public places, offer. In these environments, the presence of other people and the possibility of intervention act as natural safeguards. Conversely, digital interactions often occur in isolation, removing these protective factors and leaving users more vulnerable.
The technology industry’s current approach fails to capitalise on the safety potential inherent in the data collected. Apps could use this data not only to screen users but also to offer insights into the safety and reputability of potential partners. By analysing patterns of behaviour and leveraging user feedback, dating platforms could better identify and flag potentially dangerous individuals.
A multifaceted approach
Dr McKay’s research emphasises that the goal should be to make dating apps a safer environment rather than allowing them to become more perilous. Technology companies have a responsibility to use their resources and knowledge to create systems that promote safer interactions rather than facilitating abuse. The challenge is not merely technological but ethical: how can technology be harnessed to protect users while fostering a safe and respectful online dating culture?
Ultimately addressing the risks associated with dating apps, and violence against women online requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond superficial safety measures. By integrating robust verification systems, monitoring user behaviour, and employing data-driven safety protocols, dating apps can evolve from being potential hazards to becoming secure platforms that truly enhance users’ dating experiences. It is up to both the technology industry and its users to push for these critical improvements and ensure that online dating is safe for everyone.
