How can we have a healthy relationship with dating apps?

How To Fix… from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line.

This week: An estimated 4.4 million adults in the UK now use dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble in their search for the perfect partner, with these platforms generating a staggering £150 million in annual revenue. While many people do find the love of their life online, concerns are mounting over reports that some services perpetuate racism, are losing users, and can even promote gambling through their paid subscription models. So, how can we build a healthy relationship with dating apps?

“One thing people need to realise is that they’re stepping into an environment designed to benefit the company—always. It’s like walking into a casino: the house always wins.” – Dr Luke Brunning

Host Rich Williams is joined by three guests from the University of Leeds who are searching for the answers: 

Dr Luke Brunning, Lecturer in Applied and Inter-Disciplinary Ethics at the IDEA Centre, with research interests in the philosophy of romantic life, ethics and philosophy of emotion 

Dr Natasha McKeever, Lecturer in Applied Ethics at the IDEA Centre, researching the philosophy of love and sex

Dr Alessandro Birgalia, Associate Professor of Marketing at Leeds University Business School who researches consumer behaviour and psychology, branding and more.

• You can find out more about The Centre for Love, Sex and Relationships, led by Natasha and Luke, here

• You can read more about Alessandro’s research here

• You can find out more about the Ethical Dating Online research group here

Presented by Rich Williams. Produced by Tom Taylor and Jade Bailey. External Communications Campaigns Manager is Kersti Mitchell. External Communications and Campaigns Officer is Mia Saunders. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team.

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