The Indicator from Planet Money
Trying to fix the dating app backlash
Oct 24, 2024
Justin McLeod, CEO of Hinge, dives into the growing backlash against online dating, highlighting user frustrations like unanswered messages and endless swiping. He discusses how Hinge aims to foster authentic connections, contrasting itself with major competitors. The conversation also touches on Hinge's innovative algorithms designed to enhance matchmaking, focusing on user preferences over attractiveness. Plus, McLeod hints at insights from a Nobel Prize economist to help reshape users' perceptions of love and relationships in the digital age.
09:29
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Quick takeaways
- Users are frustrated with online dating due to perceived game-like experiences rather than genuine connections, impacting app engagement.
- Hinge's new features aim to balance user experiences and enhance genuine interactions, addressing disparities in match engagement.
Deep dives
The Dating App Backlash
There is a growing backlash against online dating apps, with many users expressing frustration over their experiences. Critics argue that these platforms often fail to facilitate genuine connections, with users treating the process like a game rather than engaging in meaningful interactions. For instance, Match Group, which owns popular services like Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid, has seen its stock price drop drastically by over 75% in recent years. The decline in downloads for swipe-based apps further underscores this sentiment, although Hinge is experiencing growth while adapting to user feedback.
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