Users Allege Manipulative Features
A lawsuit filed against Match Group accuses the company of intentionally creating addictive features in its popular dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. The proposed class-action lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, claims that Match designs its platforms with game-like elements that trap users in a cycle of continuous engagement, pushing them to purchase pricey subscriptions for promises of love and matches.
The suit, filed on Valentine’s Day by six dating app users, alleges that Match prioritizes profit over helping users find genuine relationships. It argues that the company’s tactics turn users into “addicts” who continually spend money on subscriptions to access exclusive features.
Focus on Generating Profits
According to the lawsuit, Match Group’s business model thrives on monopolizing users’ attention by fostering dating app addiction. The plaintiffs claim that Match deliberately employs dopamine-inducing features to keep users hooked on the quest for elusive rewards, pushing them towards costly subscriptions and prolonged use.
Broader Tech Scrutiny
While the lawsuit primarily concerns adult users, it surfaces amidst growing concerns over tech companies’ addictive practices impacting youths’ mental health. Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is also under legal scrutiny for allegedly contributing to a youth mental health crisis through addictive platform features.
The lawsuit against Match Group underscores the rising demand for accountability and transparency in the tech industry, shedding light on the battle between user well-being and corporate profits in the digital realm.