On with Kara Swisher The Big Business of Online Dating (Land of the Giants)
Feb 2, 2023
Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz, a journalist and co-host of "Land of the Giants: Dating Games," dives into the intriguing world of online dating alongside industry veteran Lakshmi Rengarajan. They unravel the influence of Match Group, dominating the dating app market with brands like Tinder and Hinge. The conversation tackles how these apps monetize connections, the shift in user experiences, and the ongoing quest for genuine relationships in a profit-driven environment. Plus, they reflect on the journey from online dating's dubious past to its current status.
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Ev Gilbert's Dating App Journey
- Ev Gilbert used dating apps for a decade, feeling cheated by their similarities.
- Despite trying different apps like OkCupid, Tinder, and Hinge, he found the user experience to be largely the same.
Match Group's Power
- Match Group's near-monopoly on dating apps gives it significant power over how millions date.
- This power comes from buying up competitors and leveraging user data to maximize profits.
Match.com's Early Days
- Match.com started by mimicking newspaper classifieds, initially facing a sleazy image.
- To address this, they charged men for subscriptions, attracting more women and building trust.