Lawsuit Alleges Dating Apps Encourage Compulsive Use
A recent lawsuit filed against Match Group, the company behind popular dating apps like Tinder and Hinge, claims that the platforms are designed to keep users in a cycle of addiction without actually leading to successful dates. The proposed class-action lawsuit, filed on Valentine’s Day in a federal court in the Northern District of California, accuses Match Group of intentionally incorporating addictive and game-like features that push users towards continuous engagement and costly subscriptions.
Suit Claims Profit Takes Priority Over Helping Users Find Relationships
The lawsuit alleges that Match Group prioritizes profit over its promises to assist users in finding meaningful connections. By implementing features that mimic games and lock users into a “pay-to-play loop,” the company allegedly fosters a dependency on the apps, leading users to purchase increasingly expensive subscriptions for access to specialized features that pledge romantic outcomes.
The lawsuit argues: “Match’s business model relies on monopolizing users’ attention by fostering dating app addiction, which drives up subscription costs and perpetuates usage.”
Tech Industry Under Scrutiny for Addiction-Causing Features
While the lawsuit primarily targets adults, it reflects a growing concern over tech companies’ use of addictive features that can negatively impact users’ mental health. Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is also facing legal action for allegedly contributing to a youth mental health crisis through addicting features on its platforms.
The lawsuit against Match Group highlights that the company’s dating apps utilize tactics such as “dopamine-manipulating product features” to keep users hooked on the pursuit of elusive psychological rewards purposely designed by Match.
The representatives of Dallas-based Match Group have not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the lawsuit.