The Boyfriend

Although computerized dating services have been used since the advent of the internet, online dating has been revolutionized in recent years by the use of mobile dating applications such as Tinder, Grindr, Bumble, and Hinge. These apps use location-based algorithms to match users with potential romantic partners in their area. After creating a profile featuring photos, bios, and interests, users “swipe” through profiles and “like” the users with whom they’re interested in connecting. On most apps, mutual likes lead to matches, opening conversation up for both partners. Many of these apps are designed for specific demographics. Grindr, for example, is aimed primarily at gay male users, while Bumble aims to protect female users from unwanted harassment by prohibiting male users from messaging first.

With millions of users worldwide, these platforms have become a staple of modern dating culture, making it easier and faster than ever to meet people with shared interests and lifestyles. Thirty percent of American adults have used dating apps, and ten percent of currently partnered adults met their significant other via a dating app (Vogels, Emily A. and McClain, Colleen. “Key Findings about Online Dating in the US.” Pew Research Center, 2 Feb. 2023). However, the anonymity and access dating apps provide also creates opportunity for harassment and violence. In 2018, 26-year-old New Zealander Jesse Kempson used Tinder to meet Grace Millane, a British backpacker who had recently arrived in the country. After strangling her to death, he used the app to meet and have sex with another woman, who survived the encounters. Kempson was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. In the same year, 27-year-old American Danuel Drayton used Tinder to meet and murder Samantha Stewart, a young nurse. He later admitted to violent attacks on multiple dates arranged through dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. Men are also vulnerable to attacks via dating apps: In Medellin, Colombia, police are currently investigating a series of murders of foreigners who matched with local women on Tinder.

As a result of cases like these, dating apps have taken measures to increase safety for users. Many apps, like Tinder and Bumble, now have photo verification processes to prevent users from using fake photos to attract matches. Tinder also uses AI to identify harmful messages and inappropriate behavior and alert moderators and users. These safety features are designed to make the apps safer and more welcoming for users.

In The Boyfriend, author Freida McFadden invents a fictional dating app, Cynch, which is exclusive to residents of New York City. The novel’s protagonist Sydney Shaw uses the dating app to meet men and to investigate men she meets in other ways. McFadden’s depiction of Cynch reflects many of the safety issues identified above. In the opening chapter, for example, Kevin looks nothing like his profile picture and creates a new profile in order to contact her after she blocks him. Sydney reports Kevin through the app, but he continues to harass her. Throughout the first half of the novel, police investigators believe that a serial killer is targeting women using Cynch. McFadden’s depiction of Cynch is closely tied to the novel’s thematic interest in Navigating Misogyny and Safety Risks in the Dating World.