BACKEND NEWS – According to the latest study by Kaspersky, a cybersecurity solutions provider, digital stalking remains a significant concern for individuals engaging in online dating. The study, which surveyed 1K people across 21 countries, found that 23% of respondents reported experiencing some form of online stalking from someone they had recently started dating online. Females reported experiencing abuse at a higher rate (42%) compared to male respondents (36%).
Month: February 2024
Canadians Lose $50M to Romance Scams in 2023
CTV NEWS – According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, 945 Canadians were caught in romance scams, losing $50M. In Ontario alone, victims reported losing $21M.
When Love and the Algorithm Don’t Mix
TIME – Racial bias in dating app algorithms is a significant issue, as these algorithms frequently prioritize physical similarity, including race. This leads to a lack of diversity in potential matches, with users often being presented with profiles that resemble their own racial or physical characteristics. This approach overlooks the importance of shared values and deeper connections, resulting in a superficial dating experience that does not cater to the diverse preferences of users.
Speed Dating Is Making a Comeback
How Dating Apps in India Have Become Crime Epicentres
INC42 – India's online dating scene, featuring apps like Tinder, Bumble, and local platforms like Woo and Quack Quack, is booming but faces serious safety concerns. A Norton report revealed that 66% of Indian dating app users have encountered financial fraud. Incidents of honey trapping and extortion are on the rise, with victims being blackmailed for large sums. The gender imbalance on these apps exacerbates the issue, with a male-to-female ratio on Tinder India reported to be 93:1. Despite the growth, with user numbers surging by 293% in the last five years, safety measures lag behind, leaving users vulnerable to crimes ranging from data leaks to physical harm.
Dating Habits Are Changing, 3 Trends and Tips for Navigating Them
NPR – In the evolving dating scene, three key trends are reshaping how people connect:
- Speed Dating's Resurgence: Speed dating is gaining popularity again, with a 63% increase in events reported by Eventbrite in early 2023.
- AI in Dating: AI tools are increasingly used in dating, with 6% of singles turning to AI for profile creation and messaging. Maria Avgitidis of Agape Matchmaking suggests using AI to highlight your best self, without altering images.
- Living Apart Together: The concept of maintaining separate living spaces while in a relationship is gaining traction, especially among younger individuals seeking autonomy.
Younger Singles in Singapore Increasingly Approaching Matchmakers
CHANNEL NEWS ASIA – In Singapore, dating agencies are seeing a rise in demand, particularly from younger singles in their early 20s seeking a more curated approach to finding a partner. Agencies like GaiGai and Lunch Actually have noticed an increase in clients looking for serious relationships, with some even considering marriage. Additionally, there's a growing interest from older singles in their 50s to 70s seeking a second chance at love. The trend towards professional matchmaking is driven by disillusionment with online dating apps and the desire for a safer, more personalized dating experience.
by Marcus Tan & Darrelle Ng
See full article at Channel News Asia
State of Mobile 2024
DATA.AI – In the mobile-centric world of 2023, app usage has hit a record high, with the average time spent on mobile in the top 10 markets exceeding 5 hours, a 2% increase from the previous year. Despite a 2% decline in global consumer spending in 2022, it rebounded with a 4% growth in 2023. The State of Mobile 2024 report offers insights into market trends, industry developments, and best practices across 11 industries and 30 markets. The report highlights high-growth sectors, the impact of AI on mobile, top apps and games, and global app usage trends.
Schmooze, a Meme-Based Dating App, Gains Popularity Among Gen Z
Senior Executive Awarded £100K in a Bullying Case Against Fluttr’s CEO
DAILY MAIL – Laura Cameron Peck, a former CEO of a sister start-up to Fluttr, a women-friendly dating app, was awarded ~£100K in compensation after facing bullying from Fluttr's CEO, Rhonda Alexander. The tribunal heard Alexander's behavior led to multiple staff complaints about being reduced to tears and feeling bullied. Despite Fluttr's mission to create a safe space for single women, behind the scenes, Alexander's behavior contradicted this ethos. Cameron Peck's attempts to address the issues were ignored, leading to her isolation and resignation. The employment tribunal upheld 13 of her claims, highlighting the mismatch between Fluttr's public values and its internal culture.
