Dating Apps Make a Compelling Case for Private Blockchain and Web3

Today, over 323 million users have grown to rely on dating app services for one reason or another. In 2021, the dating industry made a revenue of over $12.7 billion, with experts predicting these numbers to grow to $28.36 billion by 2027.

While these are impressive figures, the dating industry is not without its faults. Users have had to face various challenges, including privacy issues and data security. The current Web2 setup requires dating app users to share a lot of their information, including providing personal data like phone numbers and details that verify their account. For some, it takes a few minutes to find the right match, while others have to swipe left a couple of times before finding the ‘one.’

Once a user finds a match that seems to fit their preferences, they then send texts or calls for further communication. Again, the keyword is ‘seem.’ This is because many users have been disappointed due to the skyrocketing number of misrepresentation cases permeating the system. Users have to display a degree of blind trust in order to have any interaction on the dating site.

There is never a guarantee of safety given the growing rate of scammers who have perfected catfishing and harassment after stealing the users' heart and their savings. Even when a user manages to avoid the online creeks, the shared data is also at risk of being exploited by unwanted third parties that take cyberstalking to a new level.

These challenges cut across the board, even to users who already pay an exorbitant subscription fee for premium services. All these challenges call for a new order where trust and transparency are upheld, and data security and user safety are guaranteed.

Private blockchains and Web3 provide the solution

Private blockchains are distributed ledgers only available to users given express permission. Users who join the network can do so only through invitations where their identity and other relevant information are authenticated. This, in turn, makes the perfect solution for efficiency and immutability.

Blockchain provides layers and layers of security (end-to-end encryption) that help protect user data from malicious parties. Blockchain's design makes it nearly impossible for any entity to manipulate or take control of the system. This prevents hackers from taking users’ personal data. As a result, users get a secure and private place where they can message their partners without giving up their private data.

Dating apps using private blockchains can quickly verify users’ actual identities through blockchain, eliminating any misrepresentation or identity thefts. Users can use online addresses or IDs in place of phone numbers or social media accounts to keep their personal details private until such time they deem fit.

On the other hand, Web3.0, the third generation of the web, is a revolutionary innovation that seeks to solve problems within the current Web2 application. In a nutshell, Web 3.0 is the decentralized web that harnesses blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. This innovation is designed to enhance the internet, security, and data protection, and provide users with self-governance to break from centralization.

Regarding Web3, dating up could harness this innovation and the metaverse to provide a virtual reality where users can meet up for dates and other interactions before the actual date. This stance helps users test the waters before committing any resources to the relationship. The decentralized nature of Web3 also helps users have more power over their data and online lives.

Now thanks to these technologies, dating apps can run use cryptocurrencies to reward users for their activities, such as authentic accounts, participation, and more.