The Vergecast “The Hidden Hand Behind Your Swipes” from Land of the Giants
Feb 8, 2023
Dive into the world of dating apps and their hidden influences on our love lives. Discover how Match Group controls giants like Tinder and OkCupid, shaping user experiences. Explore the evolution of online dating from stigmatized to mainstream. Hear about the fierce competition and the unique strategies of platforms like Hinge. The conversation highlights the quest for authenticity in a profit-driven industry, questioning whether these apps truly foster genuine connections.
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The Dating App Deception
- Ev Gilbert, a lawyer, felt cheated after switching dating apps to find the same suggested profiles.
- He discovered the apps were owned by the same company, Match Group.
Match Group's Market Power
- Match Group's ownership of major dating apps gives them extensive power over how millions date.
- This power comes from acquiring competitors and influencing romantic experiences.
Match.com's Early Days and Rebranding
- Match.com initially resembled an online classifieds section, inheriting the negative reputation of personal ads.
- Fran Meyer, put in charge of Match.com, focused on building trust and attracting women by charging men for subscriptions.