Some Russian women who had previously encountered uncomfortable interactions through the dating app Tinder described their decision to leave the platform for Russia as a relief rather than a regret. This insight emerged from a survey conducted by the Moscow-based telegraph channel SHOT, with the data later summarized by a writer who covers life in the city.
In interviews conducted for the study, several women noted that finding a respectable, trustworthy partner on the app had long been a challenge. One participant recounted a troubling experience, saying, “There was a maniac who started following me, learned my address, and texted constantly—he hunted me day and night.” The sentiment echoed across many responses, highlighting common safety and authenticity concerns on dating apps.
Additional remarks pointed to a noticeable gap between the images shown in users’ profiles and the men’s real appearances. It was also reported that some men maintain multiple connections, interacting with several women through the same platform at once. Respondents described a variety of unusual and troubling behaviors that added to their unease about online dating in the current social climate.
A participant described a scenario in which unsolicited messages persisted, with the men asking her to remove personal belongings or otherwise modify her behavior when meeting in person. These anecdotes underscored a broader pattern of boundary testing and intrusive conduct that some users associate with the app experience.
On a broader business note, Match Group, the former owner of Tinder, faced regulatory and market pressures that led to their decision to exit the Russian market, with a formal departure date set for June 30. This corporate development occurred in the context of ongoing conversations about the safety, moderation, and reliability of dating platforms in Russia and neighboring regions. In the wake of these events, Tatiana Tasueva, a recognized professional matchmaker and psychologist who also heads a marriage agency, commented that a central drawback of dating apps lies in the tendency of some users to treat the platform as a means to “kill time” rather than form meaningful connections. Her perspective reflects a broader concern about how online dating services balance user engagement with genuine relationship-building in today’s digital landscape.
Ultimately, the shifting dynamics of online dating in Russia and the region have prompted thoughtful reconsideration of how these platforms operate, how users present themselves, and how safety and authenticity can be improved. The experiences shared by women who used Tinder offer a qualitative glimpse into the challenges that accompany digital dating while the market adjusts to new regulatory and corporate realities. In this evolving environment, many seek safer, more transparent avenues for meeting compatible partners while remaining mindful of personal boundaries and digital privacy. These stories also remind platform operators and policymakers alike of the ongoing need to ensure reliable profiles, enforce clear behavior guidelines, and provide accessible support for users who encounter harassment or deception on dating services. This combination of user feedback and corporate strategy signals a broader trend toward more cautious online dating behavior and higher expectations for safety and accountability across the industry (Source: SHOT Telegram channel, Moscow; corporate updates on Match Group’s departure; expert commentary from Tatiana Tasueva).