Chanel Contos, an advocate for sexual consent and founder of Teach Us Consent, joins the conversation to delve into Tinder's new Consent Course. The discussion tackles whether dating apps truly understand the need for consent education or if it’s just a PR stunt. Chanel highlights alarming statistics revealing a lack of awareness among Gen Z regarding consent issues like stealthing. The talk advocates for open dialogues about consent in modern relationships, emphasizing the necessity of education to combat sexual violence and entitlement.
Tinder’s new Consent Course, created with Teach Us Consent, aims to educate users but raises questions about its effectiveness given its voluntary nature.
The initiative highlights the responsibility of dating platforms in addressing societal issues related to consent, aiming to foster healthier interpersonal dynamics.
Deep dives
Tinder's New Initiative on Consent Education
Tinder has launched a consent education course in partnership with organizations like Teach Us Consent and the Women's Service Network, aiming to enhance users' understanding of consent. The initiative emerged after data revealed a concerning lack of knowledge about consent among its users, particularly Gen Z, with 75% unaware of 'stealthing,' a growing legal concern in Australia. This highlights the normalization of certain forms of sexual violence, prompting the necessity for educational interventions. The course is seen as a potential step towards empowering users to communicate their boundaries and desires effectively.
Challenges Surrounding User Engagement
The voluntary nature of this consent course raises questions about its effectiveness, as users are not mandated to participate. Experts point out that the root issue often lies not in the lack of education, but in feelings of entitlement towards others' bodies. There is skepticism regarding whether those who may benefit most from the course will choose to engage with it. However, it's argued that improving education could counteract entitlement and promote empathy in interpersonal relationships, potentially fostering healthier dynamics.
Cultural Shifts and Responsibility in Consent
The discussion around who is responsible for teaching consent is complex, involving private companies, individuals, and government efforts. Tinder's partnership with Teach Us Consent signifies an acknowledgment of its role in addressing broader social issues related to consent and sexual assault. By normalizing conversations about consent and making it culturally relevant, such initiatives can contribute to changing attitudes and behaviors. Ultimately, the goal is to create a societal shift where consent becomes an intrinsic part of dating culture.
With an advocate like Chanel Contos onboard, will learning about consent on Tinder actually work?
The dating app has launched a new Consent Course, created in partnership with sexual consent activist and founder of Teach Us Consent Chanel Contos, and women's domestic violence service WESNET. The course is only available on Tinder’s School of Swipe website - not via the app - though it will be promoted to users there from next week.
But what is the point? Do the people using these platforms need this? Will it actually do anything to help reduce sexual assault, or is this a dating app doing a PR exercise while the spotlight is on them from community and government to do more?
Bension Siebert and Helen Smith join to discuss the motivation and possible results, and speak to Chanel Contos on why she chose to be involved.