Tinder forms relationships, not just casual sex says chief Sean Rad
Sean Rad, the chief executive of Tinder, has defended the app against allegations it is merely a platform where youths cavort and arrange casual sex get-togethers.
Tinder forms relationships, not just casual sex says chief Sean Rad
Speaking at the Web Summit conference in Dublin, Rad quoted a Tinder survey of over 300,000 of the apps users, claiming that 80 per cent were looking for a long-term relationship.
Whether or not users would openly admit they seek casual sex through the app remains in doubt, however Rad pushed the app as the place people go to find a “stable and long term” relationship.
He said: “It’s a part of life. All Tinder’s doing is we’re connecting people. We’ve built the most efficient way for you to meet somebody new.”
The power of Tinder has sparked marriages and more, said Rad, coining the term “Tinder babies,” reminding the world a sizeable share of kids will have the app to thank for their existence.
Rad did concede that there was some truth in Tinder’s definition as a hook-up app stating: “Twenty per cent are there for things more short-term: either friendships or … dare I say hook-ups. Very brief friendships.”
Tinder has had a hard time of late, realigning the media’s perception of its offering, with what it thinks is its core product. Back in August the Tinder Twitter account even attacked Vanity Fair for its coverage of the app.
The Drum reporter Jen Faull earlier this year interviewed Rad about the service’s plans for video – with brands, followed by users, likely to gain access to an extended product.