Bias in Dating Apps

Bias in dating apps refers to the way the algorithm that operates these apps filters through profiles of users based on certain characteristics, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability and other factors. This bias can manifest in different ways, including through the use of data gathered from the user’s profile which is usually entered by the user upon creation of the profile, as well as information from social media and other apps that the user chooses to link to the profile, such as Instagram and Spotify . The algorithm also uses a technique known as “collaborative filtering”, where the potential profiles shown to users are based on opinions from other users on these apps, such as on apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge .

History

Purpose

Dating apps are a type of software that utilize algorithms to connect individuals based on personal information collected from their profiles. This information can range from factors such as location, age, and activity on the app, as well as personal preferences specified by the user . User behavior and engagement with potential matches also greatly influence the algorithm's ability to predict compatible connections.

A report from Match, the parent company of dating apps such as Tinder, OKCupid, Pairs, and Hinge, showed that one in six single individuals feel addicted to the matchmaking process . This addictive behavior is more common among millennials, who are 125% more likely to be addicted, and among men, 97% more likely than women. The addictive nature of the matchmaking process is intentional, as it has been designed to trigger dopamine secretion, similar to the effects of gambling or slot machines . A study by Stanford University found that a significant portion of heterosexual and homosexual couples meet through dating apps, using a variable reinforcement program that motivates users to keep swiping. The motive for these dating apps in general is not aiming for user retention, but in hopes that the user will opt for the premium version of the app . The reward is the hope of a match, which can generate a lot of income for the apps, with the Match Group earning $3 billion in the first quarter of 2022. Tinder is the highest-grossing lifestyle app worldwide, with 163 million premium users .

How the Algorithm Works

Tinder

The algorithm implemented by Tinder is the Elo rating system, which resembles the same method to assess and calculate the relative skill levels of players in zero-sum games such as chess . Tinder implements the same concept by coining the term “desirability” instead . The app uses this scoring system to compare and match users of those in the same or similar ranking . Users who are on the same ratio of right and left swipes are understood by Tinder’s algorithms to be at eye-to-eye desirability .

Bumble

Bumble employs filters to showcase the most compatible matches to users based on a match percentage. These filters encompass a range of factors such as age, location, religious affiliations, hobbies, and others, allowing the app to connect you with someone who shares similar characteristics . When an individual is joining Bumble as a new user, one may encounter numerous visually appealing profiles in their feed. The app utilizes an algorithm that takes into account the positive or negative swipes on a profile and adjusts the match score accordingly. This helps to match users with profiles of a similar level of physical attractiveness. Bumble is said to utilize the ELO rating system, which is a method for determining the relative skill levels of participants in games with winners and losers. The app's algorithm takes into consideration various factors, including the number of profiles a user has swiped left or right on, as well as the number of profiles that have swiped left or right on them. Bumble arranges users by determining the profile with the highest rating, taking into account the number of positive swipes on a profile and the level of activity on the platform.

Hinge

Hinge employs the Gale-Shapley algorithm, which matches individuals who are believed to have a mutual liking towards each other . This algorithm takes into consideration factors such as user engagement and engagement received, as well as aligning users with individuals who have comparable preferences.

The compatibility on Hinge is determined based on various factors such as profile information, answers to prompts, likes, dislikes, and "deal breaker" options. There is also a “most compatible” feature that shows on top of all the other profile cards. The app uses this information to match individuals with similar preferences and interests, reducing the chances of incompatible matches . The more an individual uses Hinge, the more the app will learn about their preferences and make better matches. The founder of Hinge, Justin McLeod, stated that the app becomes more accurate the more the user reveals their preferences . It is like recognizing a pattern in the types of people you have dated or been attracted to in the past, and using that information to make more informed decisions in the future.

Grindr

Grindr uses machine learning algorithms to personalize the user's experience . The company takes into account the personal information provided by the user, such as their profile, along with information collected from the usage of the app to develop algorithms that are based on the user's interests, preferences, and behavior . This allows Grindr to use automated decision-making to make the app more personalized for the user, such as suggesting other profiles for them to view. It's important to note that the company does not share information about the user's HIV status or last tested date with their machine learning partners, nor does it process all of the user's profile information (such as ethnicity) for personalization purposes .

Types of Bias

Race

Many dating apps had ethnicity filters such as Grindr, Tinder and Bumble, but were pressured to eliminate them after the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement . Currently, dating apps like Hinge and OkCupid allow users to identify their own race and their racial preference in a potential partner . When a user decides to share this information, the algorithm would group other individuals by race and learn their preferences from the data it has access to . However, even when users refuse to state any race or racial preference, the collaborative data still allows the algorithm to make predictions and recommendations based on similar racial lines by using assumptions about an individual’s race based on the data it has about the preferences of other users who are similar to them in other ways .

Table showing racial disparities on dating apps

Research has shown that dating apps that allow users to implement racial preferences by filters, or rely on the algorithm to show potential users of the same race, perpetuates racial biases and divisions . For example, men and women who identify as black on the app are 10 times more likely to message those who identify as white or caucasian than those who were white to message those who are black .

Christian Rudder, the co-founder of OKCupid and the author of the book "Dataclysm" that focuses on dating statistics, notes that "There is a systematic racial bias present in nearly every dating site that has been examined." The data showed that "82% of non-black men have a bias against black women," and Asian men receive "the lowest number of messages and the poorest ratings among all male groups."

An example of fetishization occurring through dating apps would be an experience from Sharon Jiang, a 24-year-old Chinese Australian living in Sydney, who has received messages from strangers via dating apps expressing their preference for Asian women and linking it to their sexual behavior . The messages have brought up discussions about the connection between fetishes for Asian women and racism. These conversations gained attention following the shooting at an Atlanta spa where six Asian women were among the victims and authorities initially referred to the shooter's actions as a result of a "sexual addiction" instead of a hate crime . This incident has shed light on the ongoing issues of sexism and racism towards Asian women, rooted in the history of colonialism in Asia.

It has been reported that this is said to be seen for ethnic minority men living in western countries, a common experience is feeling undesirable, with Asian men being particularly affected. Research shows that they are more likely to be single and to be rejected by women who are not Asian . Yue Qian, a sociologist at the University of British Columbia, explains that this disparity is a result of racial stereotypes towards Asian men, which are shaped by negative media representations and historical views of Asians as inferior to westerners . While Asian women are often seen as exotic and traditional, the common stereotype for Asian men is that they are unmasculine, nerdy, and unattractive.

Racial disparities are not limited to just one group. A survey conducted in Australia in 2011 found that gay and bisexual men display a significant amount of tolerance towards sexual racism. Meanwhile, research conducted in the US showed that black individuals are ten times more likely to send messages to white individuals than the reverse .

Gender and Identity

A study was done on the dating app Tinder, which suggested that there is the existence of gender bias on the platform, where men had a higher success rate of getting matches than women users . The reason behind this was due to the relationship of the amount of swipes and the amount of matches made as a result, where they both increased in volume . In addition, men users had a higher tendency to make the first move by initiating the conversation after matching . The purpose of men using the app as a platform for casual hookups had also contributed to the higher success rate of receiving matches. The study also found that women are more likely to be judged on their physical appearance and how they present themselves, whereas men are judged based on their occupation and education level .

In addition to that, Tinder, a popular dating app, has faced criticism for its treatment of the transgender community. The platform has been accused of promoting transphobia through its policies and actions. One issue raised is the limited options for gender identity and expression on the app, which may make it difficult for transgender individuals to accurately represent themselves. This can lead to discomfort, harassment, and discrimination from other users . Additionally, some users have reported instances of being repeatedly banned from the platform for violating terms of service, even when their profiles accurately reflected their gender identity . Another concern is the prevalence of transphobia among users of the app. Some users have reported receiving abusive messages and encountering prejudice when attempting to connect with others . This has led to calls for Tinder to implement better measures for addressing and preventing such behavior on the platform.

Despite that, Tinder has made efforts to increase inclusivity for the transgender and non-binary communities by expanding its options for gender identity on the platform. The company has allowed users to select from a wider range of gender categories and added the option for users to type in their own gender identity . This update provides a more inclusive environment for all users, regardless of their gender identity, and is aimed at promoting a safe and respectful platform. The company has stated its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all users, and these changes are seen as a step towards addressing and combating transphobia on the app . This expansion of gender options demonstrates Tinder's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity among its user base.

Sexual Orientation

Queer women reported having to face certain challenges on dating apps, such as exclusion for their sexual orientation, other than being a lesbian . HER, a dating app for queer women remains as one of the platforms for those seeking the same dating social space. A claim was made by Exton where “lesbian users are much more valuable”, dismissing the different sexual orientations and are on a different spectrum such as users who are bicurious or bisexual . Scarcity was prevalent when lesbian users on all-inclusive dating apps like Tinder, would often be left with no other profiles to swipe on who were in the similar spectrum of sexual orientation. Women of color found it difficult to connect with others of the same race, as these apps were predominantly white .

There were also risks imposed by the infiltration of users who did not identify with being a queer women, including those who were heterosexual men, heterosexual women, and couples. To an extent where in China, there were users seeking surrogacy services .

Ableism

Ableism takes on many forms such as not having enough representation for those with disabilities, accessibility options for users with visual or hearing impairments, underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities in advertisements or profiles of users using the app, as well as negative connotations .

Dating apps heavily focus on visual representation, for example, pictures of the users’ profiles, biography and instances where a conversation occurs through text. These examples present challenges for users who have visual impairments. A study done by Arizona State University’s Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing found that dating apps are hard to visualize, even with the assistance of a screen reader. However, some apps such as Tinder, Hinge and OKCupid implemented features like labeled buttons, clear navigation, and a screen reader to improve accessibility .

Age

Ageism, or prejudice and discrimination against people based on their age, has been a concern in the world of online dating. Some dating apps have been criticized for promoting a narrow standard of beauty and youth, leading to exclusion and discrimination against older users.

Studies have shown that older users are more likely to be overlooked and receive fewer matches, leading to feelings of rejection and a lack of representation on the platform . This can result in a vicious cycle, where older users become less visible and less likely to receive matches, leading to a decline in their overall experience on the platform.

Tinder has faced criticism for its pricing model, which charges older users more for its premium features. This policy has been seen as ageist, as it requires users over a certain age to pay more for the same services as younger users . This has led to concerns about fairness and discrimination, as older users are often on fixed incomes and may not be able to afford the higher fees. Some users have also raised concerns about the underlying message that the policy sends, that older users are seen as less valuable and desirable . While Tinder has defended its pricing model as a way to better monetize its service, the issue remains a point of contention for many users.