US sees surge in usage for "temporary spouse" app (VIDEO)
In an unusual twist, dating apps are being used by some individuals to find assistance with household chores, a trend that has gained attention on platforms like TikTok and been reported by news outlets such as Liter.kz and the New York Post.
One woman who has embraced this unconventional approach is Storm Heistrap, a 24-year-old Brooklyn-based photographer. Heistrap has successfully enlisted the help of several of her dating app matches to set up her home. From hanging pictures and bringing nails, to buying plants and helping green up the room, these helpers have proven invaluable.
This method offers men a chance to demonstrate their worth through actions rather than just words during these household tasks. Working together on chores is also reported to ease awkwardness, help get to know each other faster, and make meetings memorable.
However, it's important to note that using dating apps for non-dating purposes carries risks that might not be immediately apparent. For instance, personal data breaches have affected apps like Tea, exposing sensitive information. The mismatch between app purpose and user intent might lead to misunderstandings or unwanted interactions, including harassment.
Moreover, there is no guarantee of reliability or accountability for household chore help from app users, unlike platforms specifically designed for service exchanges or gig work. The lack of formal mechanisms or protections for transactions/services makes it risky compared to dedicated platforms.
Despite these risks, the potential benefits include access to a large user base, offering quick assistance, and profiles providing a social context and some personal information for informal vetting. Apps with women-focused audiences, such as Tea, might provide safer spaces or allow women to screen and share information about contacts for trustworthiness.
Sociologist Jennifer Gansaurous emphasises the need for caution when inviting strangers for household help, stating that traditional dynamics reinforce the importance of ensuring the person is trustworthy.
While this trend has been observed in cities like New York, it seems to be prevalent beyond these urban centres, suggesting it may be a growing phenomenon across the U.S. and possibly beyond.
The "first date" format of asking for help with chores has been reported as practical and even romantic, with women stating that shared household tasks create a "boyfriend effect" on the first date. The trend of using dating apps for household help is gaining popularity, but it remains uncommon and not a typical use case documented in available research or app usage reports.
In summary, while the convenience of accessing a broad user pool on dating apps makes this unconventional use appealing, it's crucial to be aware of the associated risks and to prioritise safety when seeking help with household chores in this manner. Safer and more effective alternatives for such needs exist in service-specific platforms.
- Storm Heistrap, a 24-year-old Brooklyn-based photographer, uses dating apps not only for relationships but also for finding assistance with household chores.
- This unconventional approach of using dating apps for household help is reported to have benefits such as access to a large user base, quick assistance, and a chance for men to demonstrate their worth through actions.
- However, Sociologist Jennifer Gansaurous emphasizes the need for caution when inviting strangers for household help, stressing that traditional dynamics reinforce the importance of ensuring the person is trustworthy, especially when using apps like Tea with women-focused audiences.
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