Four Corners: Oct 12

On Monday’s Four Corners “Tinder” reported by Avani Dias, is a joint investigation with triple j Hack’s into the dangers of dating apps.

It’s like a minefield… It’s a perfect platform for predators and scammers.” Father

Tinder is the dating app that has reinvented the way we meet new people. Some are looking for love, others, are after a casual fling. The app has been downloaded more than 100 million times worldwide and it’s the most popular dating app in Australia.

“Tinder is the shooting star. It is far and away the most used dating app and the most lucrative dating app. It, I believe, outgrosses even Netflix in the app store.” Dating app consultant

Billed as “the largest, hottest community of singles in the world”, Tinder urges users “When in doubt, give a Swipe Right. Trust us, the more options you have, the better-looking life becomes”.

“Initially it was very much just the ego boost. Just like seeing who would match with you and who found you maybe attractive…I was quite funny in my profile, I tried to be funny.” Tinder user, Adelaide

The app generates enormous revenue for its parent company Match Group but there’s alarming evidence that Tinder is putting users at great risk.

“It makes me mad that this platform is making money off the people that are being hurt, and then they can’t even respond properly when people are hurt. What are you doing with your money?” Tinder user, Sydney

In a joint investigation, Four Corners and triple j Hack reveal that the dating app has become a playground for sex offenders.

“Tinder, I think, has a huge responsibility to understand that their whole app is causing people to be vulnerable time and time again… they just do not take it seriously, they don’t care.” Tinder user, Adelaide

Earlier this year Hack invited its audience to share their dating app experiences; hundreds responded. The results raised red flags.

“I think we are really only seeing the tip of the iceberg. I think there are some additional barriers to these sexual assaults being reported, and I think the real number that’s occurring is much greater than what we’re seeing.” Forensic doctor

A joint investigation was launched with Four Corners. It has uncovered a deeply troubling pattern of sexual assault and rape facilitated by the use of Tinder.

“The dating app may draw you into a false sense of security where you are happy to meet and you think you know the person better than you do.” Police officer

Multiple women have come forward to speak with Four Corners guest reporter and Hack presenter Avani Dias. They tell their stories of assault at the hands of those they have matched with on Tinder.

“It’s like they’re sort of beating the system, where they can just sort of re-offend almost. And be matched with all these other new girls who don’t have any idea of their behaviours, which is just, it’s heart breaking really that all these girls are going through it.” Tinder user, Regional Victoria

Their accounts reveal how the app’s aggressive business model is enabling predators to operate freely and perpetrators are using the app’s own design to avoid detection.

“You can see where they’re investing, they’re putting their money and their time to getting people to pay more. They’re not necessarily investing in consumer protections or safety features.” Consumer advocate

“Perpetrators are now getting a little bit wise to this and realising that it’s their way of escaping any kind of accountability, that’s just unacceptable.” Dating app consultant

Those who are tasked with investigating these types of cases are urging users to be vigilant.

“If you are going to use these dating apps, then by all means swipe right but do so with caution. Be aware that online communication with someone means that they’re effectively still a real-life stranger.” Forensic doctor

Monday 12th October at 8.30pm on ABC.