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Tea is now the number one lifestyle app in the App store, with over a million women signing up over … More the past week.<\/p>\n
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Tea \u2014 an app that allows women to post pictures of men they\u2019re dating for feedback \u2014 is going viral. Tea is now the number one lifestyle app in the App Store, with over a million<\/a> women signing up over the past week.<\/p>\n Marketed as an online dating safety app, Tea allows its users to post photos of men and ask others for \u201ctea\u201d \u2014 in other words dirt or gossip \u2014 on them. It is gaining popularity on TikTok, particularly among Gen Z users.<\/p>\n Launched by founder Sean Cook after he witnessed his mother get catfished online, Tea\u2019s aims are noble. The app includes numerous positive reviews<\/a> from women who have used it. However, experts point out numerous issues with Tea.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you need to know about the viral dating safety app.<\/p>\n What Does The App Do?<\/p>\n Unlike dating apps, the purpose of Tea<\/a> is to verify the identity of people on match-making apps. It\u2019s not doing anything new \u2014 Facebook groups exist that see women share pictures of men they\u2019re dating to check for red flags and have done for some time.<\/p>\n Powered by AI-driven safety technology and real-time identity verification tools, the aim is for women to have the power to discreetly check the men they\u2019re dating are who they say.<\/p>\n Features include reverse image search, with users able to catch catfish and fake profiles by dropping a screenshot into Tea\u2019s Catfish Finder AI.<\/p>\n Phone number lookup helps verify if someone has a hidden marriage or concerning history with their phone number.<\/p>\n Background checks include the ability to access public records, sex offender maps and criminal history to assess if your date is safe to meet up with in real life.<\/p>\n The app includes an anonymous space where women can share dating experiences, ask for advice and leave honest feedback on past partners called Tea Party Group Chat.<\/p>\n Who Can Use The Tea App?<\/p>\n The Tea app is for women only. The app ensures only women can join using an identity verification process.<\/p>\n Tea\u2019s SafeSip AI Moderation technology automatically detects and removes potentially harmful content, the app\u2019s owners say.<\/p>\n What Measures Does Tea Have To Prevent Abuse?<\/p>\n Tea is very much geared towards its users, who are women. For example, it includes protection to prevent people screenshotting inside the app. It also offers the opportunity to \u201cgreen flag\u201d men<\/a> \u2014 ie. verify that they\u2019re a good guy.<\/p>\n Yet for the men whose pictures are posted on Tea, things aren\u2019t as simple as for the women who use it. Photos can be posted without their permission. And, as an article on Dazed<\/a> points out, while abusers might forfeit their right to privacy, is it fair to doxx someone and share their private information online in this way?<\/p>\n At the same time, is ghosting someone really bad enough for the man to be named and shamed online?<\/p>\n ForbesiOS 26\u2014Which iPhones Can Run Apple\u2019s New Software?By Kate O’Flaherty<\/a><\/p>\n Meanwhile, users could find themselves in legal hot water if they publish defamatory posts about men online. And worse, when this information is out there, it could lead to huge impacts on the mental health of those who could feel they are unfairly accused.<\/p>\n Attorney William Barnwell told Fox 2<\/a> that men could have civil legal recourse if the posts affect their work, family life, or reputation as defamation might apply.<\/p>\n \u201cI could see some areas where this could cause people some big problems,\u201d said Barnwell. \u201cTruth is an absolute defense for a defamation claim; you can\u2019t just sue someone because your feelings are hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe app could easily be used to spread unverified accusations \u2014 especially with its anonymous nature \u2014 and could even be used as a revenge tool,\u201d says Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET. \u201cWhile its intentions are simple and protective, the unregulated format could unfortunately open it up to abuse,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Men have expressed concern on Reddit<\/a>, on various threads, detailing how the app could impact them, with some attempting to have their photos removed.<\/p>\n I have contacted Tea for a comment and will update this article if the app maker responds.<\/p>\n The Tea App \u2014 What To Do<\/p>\n The Tea app is currently available in the U.S. and regulation could stop it from launching elsewhere. The EU for example is covered by strict data protection measures, the GDPR.<\/p>\n If you do use Tea or are thinking of doing so, the app does have good intentions. But proceed with caution, taking into account the regulation in your region.<\/p>\n ForbesWhat Is WhatsApp Advanced Chat Privacy? Here\u2019s How To Turn It OnBy Kate O’Flaherty<\/a>
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