Tea Dating: The controversial app that helps women detect red flags before a first date

Dating apps reign supreme in modern times. In an increasingly digital world, meeting people through screens has become the norm for many. Between right swipes, compatibility algorithms, and ephemeral messages, Tea Dating Advice emerges. This women-only app , which is sweeping the United States and is not available in Spain, allows its users to share warnings about problematic behaviors or red flags they've experienced in previous experiences with other users.

In its description on the App Store, where it's the number one download in the lifestyle category in the United States, Tea Dating Advice describes itself as "a companion app if you use dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Match, or Hinge , providing a layer of safety and community awareness before your first date." Its function is simple: "Female users can access a national forum of posts and can set alerts with a man's name so that the user never misses a thing about their potential date, ex, or partner, and so that they can make sure he's not a cheater."

The group's members post "reviews" of men they've dated , often along with screenshots of their social media profiles. The app's official TikTok account explains how it works in one of its videos.

The controversy is served

The idea of "reviewing" people is controversial. Although Tea Dating presents itself as a safety tool for women, it has also been criticized for allowing posts that could border on legal and ethical boundaries, especially regarding the use of personal data and digital reputation.

The ability to post men's names and profiles has sparked criticism among some users . While many users value the sense of community and protection, others point to potential violations of privacy. "I have a friend who didn't get along with a girl. He was very respectful of her but decided not to continue. As a result, the girl wrote a very fake and negative review about him. The app allows slander without any review. It's a dangerous game: the app itself is a good idea, but because of a fake review, my friend has been rejected from several dates," notes one user.