This cuffing period, it is time for you to look at the privacy of dating apps

This cuffing period, it is time for you to look at the privacy of dating apps

The months of October through February are exactly just just exactly what some news outlets are calling season that is“cuffing” an interval whenever individuals reportedly experience greater fascination with intimate relationships. In 2020—likely as a result of the pandemic—dating that is COVID-19 have actually reported also greater online engagement than in past years. Whether driven by the colder weather, social distancing, or vacation nature, there isn’t any question that a substantial element of this year’s “cuffing season” will require spot on smartphone apps—and U.S. privacy legislation should be willing to carry on with.

A Tinder-box situation: the privacy risks of online dating sites

Also ahead of the pandemic, the portion of U.S. grownups whom meet individuals online has significantly increased in present years—and a lot of this development could be related to the rise of smartphone dating apps like Tinder, Grindr, OKCupid, Hinge, and Bumble. In line with the Pew Research Center, around 30% of United states grownups had tried internet dating in 2019—including 52% of the who’d never ever been married—compared to simply 13per cent in 2013. A 2017 Stanford study also discovered that 39% of United states heterosexual couples had met online—a more commonly-cited way than conventional options such as for instance introduction by way of an acquaintance that is mutual.

Caitlin Chin

Analysis Analyst, Center for Tech Innovation – The Brookings Organization

Mishaela Robison

Analysis Intern, Center for Tech Innovation – The Brookings Organization

The number of users on dating apps exploded after the outbreak of COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdowns. (more…)

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