Lawsuit Filed Over Dating Apps Encouraging Compulsive Use

Six plaintiffs have filed a class action lawsuit against Match Group, claiming that the dating app company encourages “compulsive use” of their platforms, rather than facilitating relationships. Match Group has responded to say the case has zero merit.

Six plaintiffs from across the U.S. are part of a proposed class action lawsuit against Match Group, the parent company of dating apps Tinder, Hinge, and more, Reuters reports. The case revolves around accusations of negligence, and alleged violations of consumer protection laws.

This group claims that Match Group uses features “to gamify the platforms to transform users into gamblers locked in a search for psychological rewards that Match makes elusive on purpose”.

“Harnessing powerful technologies and hidden algorithms, Match intentionally designs the Platforms with addictive, game-like design features, which lock users into a perpetual pay-to-play loop that prioritizes corporate profits over its marketing promises and customers’ relationship goals”, the case filing states.

Ultimately, they claim that the company uses a predatory business model which encourages “compulsive” use of dating apps and the spending of money on subscriptions & premium features.

In a statement, Match Group responded saying “This lawsuit is ridiculous and has zero merit”. The dating app company explained that it doesn’t use advertising or engagement statistics to judge success, instead it’s the number of dates that users go on, Reuters shares.

“Anyone who states anything else doesn’t understand the purpose and mission of our entire industry”, Match Group added.

The plaintiffs in this case are seeking damages for individuals who have paid to use Match Group’s apps in the last 4 years. Additionally, they are looking to stop the use of the phrase “designed to be deleted”, by the company.

Read the full report by Reuters here or read the case filing here.