There are endless opportunities to explore online due to the development of web 2.0. The invention of the Internet has allowed individuals to interact like never before, with social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram becoming a prominent part of modern-culture – particularly in Western society. The advance-state of smartphones permit users to access social media instantly, but there is one area of networking that is worth analysing in more detail: Online dating, specifically through applications.
The online dating phenomenon
Online dating has become a phenomenon in itself, and it is completely due to the growth of the world-wide-web. At the beginning of 2004 there were over 800 dating websites, and as of 2016 it is suggested that one in five relationships now start online. Dating websites are particularly prevalent within the gay community, and as of 2015, 80% of gay men found their partners online. This may be due to popularity of dating applications such as Tinder, but there also specific applications that are aimed to the LGBTQ community in particular (these include: Grindr, Scruff and Surge).
These dating applications have gained attention within society. Their reputation may vary depending on the subjective opinion of each individual. However, they may be considered notorious in regard to the potential concerns someone may face as a result of using them, and the general obscene nature of which they are utilised for contribute to the negative reputation they receive.
The dangers and consequences
Catfishing is an ongoing problem in terms of online dating. Technology lets individuals search for photos and data, which can be used to create fake profiles through social networking. Having been someone who has had their photo stolen to create a fake account, I can assure you that the situation is a frightening and embarrassing ordeal to have to suffer. Luckily, the account was reported and the problem ceased before further harm could pursue, but in other circumstances this may not always be the case.
Recently, a serial killer of the name of Stephen Port was found guilty of murdering four men. He used Grindr as a mean of luring these individuals to his home where he would eventually spike their drinks before abusing and murdering them. An eerily similar situation occurred earlier this year when Stefano Brizzi used Grindr to invite PC Gordon Semple to his home. Brizzi was high on crystal meth when he murdered Semple, and ultimately dismembered his body to hide the evidence.
Though this may be a case of the wrong people having access to these dating applications, it does prove that there are harrowing consequences with the utilisation of online dating. It is a process of which its users must take extreme care, and understand the implications that are attached to the service. However, with the popularity of online dating surging, more people are putting themselves at risk without being privy to the dark-side of online dating,
Locate, catch and attack
Elsewhere in the world, dating applications are utilised to capture individuals. Russia is well-known for its anti-gay laws and ban on LGBT propaganda, and due to the countries traditions and customs it continues to be topic of taboo. Despite the countries law-makers imposing a ban on the use of gay dating applications (heightened around the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games), citizens make use of a fake application that targets Russia’s most vulnerable.
Groups of vigilante homophobes track down those who use their application by identifying their location (an integral component to dating applications that contributes to the danger), ultimately when they find who they are looking for they kidnap and torture the individual – a sickening operation that attacks a marginalised community in a land that is mainly against them. Most Russian LGBT people use these applications as they know it is the only way they can communicate with others and act upon their feelings without being caught, and eventually reprimanded (usually by a fine or imprisonment).
To conclude,
Dating applications may be fun, but there is an underlying ominous feeling that individuals must be aware of so they are knowledgeable towards the detriment they may cause. Technological convergence is allowing people to communicate all over the world and causing good things to happen, but realistically its effects can potentially ruin lives and hurt those we love. The main thing to learn from this is that you must take care of yourselves. Be perceptive and question those you talk to online, don’t take them for granted because they may not who they are – and their ideals could lead to a devastating outcome.