THE GUARDIAN – The effectiveness of dating apps like Tinder and Hinge in truly helping people find compatible partners is still uncertain due to limited access to their data and unclear scientific validation of their matching algorithms. Researchers Elizabeth Bruch and Amie Gordon from the University of Michigan are addressing this gap by creating a new dating app to serve as both a matchmaking tool and a research platform. Their aim is to explore and better understand the dynamics of romantic relationships. They hope to offer a transparent approach to dating apps, challenging existing models that have been criticized for potentially addictive designs. According to anthropologist Natasha Schüll, these commercial apps are designed in ways that are more about keeping users engaged – similar to slot machines – rather than effectively facilitating meaningful connections. This perspective raises concerns about the business models of these apps, suggesting they prioritize profit over successful matchmaking.
by Laura Spinney
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