Revenge Blocking: A Troubling Trend in Dating Apps
Dating apps have revolutionized the way people connect and find love, especially for those who work from home or have limited opportunities to meet others in person.
However, a new phenomenon called “revenge blocking” is causing distress and disrupting the online dating experience for some users.
This practice involves individuals utilizing the blocking feature on dating apps to not only prevent contact with certain users but also to get them permanently banned from the platform.
Revenge blocking is a form of accountability enforcement, where users report their exes or other individuals for various reasons, ranging from documented misconduct to virtual exchanges that cause emotional distress.
This behavior, often referred to as “love bombing,” can have severe consequences, as some people claim to have been completely removed from dating apps without clear explanations or recourse.
Instances of such incidents have prompted complaints to organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
One woman, Erin Shiraba, a 36-year-old from Washington State, shared her experience of being banned from multiple dating apps after an unpleasant exchange with a man.
She believes the banning started when the man messaged her with symbols and mentioned her lack of response on another platform.
Despite thinking the matter had resolved, Erin was surprised to find herself blocked from the app shortly after declining another person’s request to visit her house.
Erin received an email stating that she had violated community guidelines and terms of use, leading to her ban from Plenty of Fish, Tinder, and Hinge.
While the email did not provide specific details about the reasons for her ban, it highlighted the careful review process involved in making such decisions.
Plenty of Fish, owned by Match Group, assured users that they have the opportunity to inquire about the reasons for their removal and receive information to better understand the situation.
Dating experts emphasize that revenge blocking goes beyond hurting one’s feelings and can have a significant impact on mental health.
Online dating has become a crucial avenue for meeting partners, with a study from 2019 revealing that almost 40% of heterosexual couples met online, nearly doubling the number in just a decade.
Depriving someone of this opportunity can be challenging, particularly if their mental health is already fragile.
Despite the setbacks caused by revenge blocking, Erin remains hopeful and believes in the value of online dating.
She eventually regained access to the apps and resumed her dating journey, proving that perseverance can pay off.
However, the issue of revenge blocking highlights the need for dating platforms to address such behaviors and protect their users’ experiences.
As online dating continues to evolve, it is essential for app developers and users alike to recognize the impact of their actions on others and foster a healthy and respectful environment for all participants.
