‘Tea' app tops charts as millions of women nationwide use it to uncover dating truths
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What makes Tea different?
AI-powered reverse image search to detect fake profiles or catfishing attempts.
Background checks for criminal records, sex offender status, and hidden marriages.
A nationwide, anonymous forum to discuss dates or partners and ask for advice.
Ability to set alerts on men's names for ongoing updates.
Strict verification of users as women, requiring selfies to minimize catfishing or fake accounts.
Explosive popularity and impact
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Controversies and criticisms
A new women-only, dating advice app called Tea is shaking up the dating scene for millions of women across the U.S., rapidly becoming the most downloaded free app on Apple's App Store in 2025.Available since 2023, Tea offers women an anonymous platform to spill tea, that is, candid reviews, warnings, and advice about men they've dated or are planning to meet. The app promises to help women date safer by exposing red flags, catching catfish, and revealing hidden histories — all in a uniquely community-driven way.Tea's creator, software developer Sean Cook , designed the app after witnessing his mother's difficulties in online dating, aiming to empower women with better tools to spot deception and danger. The company donates 10% of earnings to the National Domestic Violence Hotline Unlike traditional dating apps, Tea doesn't facilitate matches. Instead, it creates a women-only space where users can post photos and details about men they're involved with, then crowdsource insights and experiences from a nationwide anonymous community. Features include:These tools have proven invaluable for many women. For instance, one app user discovered her suitor had domestic violence charges pending, information she otherwise would never have found out before meeting.Tea has amassed millions of users and boasts a high average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store. Its rise has been fueled partly by viral TikTok videos where women share 'red flag' or 'green flag' evaluations of men they are dating.It has become the number one lifestyle app in the App Store, attracting over one million women who have joined in the past week.However, Tea's approach has ignited debates and concerns:Men featured on Tea sometimes face public shaming without consent. Critics say this can lead to false or exaggerated claims damaging reputations unfairly. Some users take their critiques beyond safety warnings into personal judgments about character or appearance.The app allows anonymous feedback which raises questions about legal liabilities regarding defamation and misuse of personal information. Experts warn of risks tied to unverified allegations and data privacy.Tea recently confirmed a data breach exposing some 72,000 photos and sensitive user data, increasing fears about digital safety on the platform.While designed for women, some men report bypassing verification requirements using AI-generated images. The app's gender exclusivity and community-driven moderation remain under scrutiny.Experts highlight that while the app addresses real concerns about women's dating safety, it may also encourage distrust and disrupt natural relationship development by fostering reliance on crowdsourced judgments.
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