I think it is important to reflect why men and women use dating apps, and especially apps like Phrendly

I find it interesting how much our society feeds into the phrase, sex sells

Men’s reviews are quite the opposite on the app store, they seem to be displeased because they are not getting paid. Some men complain about having to pay to chat with women; however, the male users who have messaged me have no problem paying to chat. Some of the complaints from male users were,

It can be seen from some of the reviews left on the Phrendly’s page in the app store that some women only use the app to get paid (there might be some women on Phrendly to experience sexual pleasure or who are seeking other intimacies; however, they were not the ones writing the reviews). It can be seen that men who wrote the reviews were catching on to the money trap aspect of the app; however, I think the app does so well because there are some users that do not mind spending 35 cents to get a picture or spending $5 to phone call or video chat.

Phrendly is a source of entertainment. We see sex being commodified everywhere. From women selling perfume in an advertisements to sex workers, pornstars amd cam girls you can see the power of the male gaze and women capitalizing on their sexuality to make money. Now, as Phrendly has taught me, you can make money just by texting someone.

In the future, there may be more apps that are geared towards connection and just talking- and getting paid for it! Sex is not the only thing that is being commodified, JDate dating but rather human intimacy. It will be important in the future to be critical and careful with applications that sell intimacy because it can be an easy way for exploitation. With all dating applications and websites it is important to be critical and understand users true intentions.

While sex is the main product being sold on Phrendly, there are also users on the app looking for relationships and even someone to talk to

Phrendly is a social media app where users get paid to flirt and chat. Phrendly is set up a lot like Tinder and Bumble, where users are presented with many profiles where you swipe right to like and left to dislike. The key about this app is that if you want to get paid you can not initiate any conversations. The app even sends you pointers via email such as, Like as many Phrends as possible,and Wanna get paid? Just sit back and wait. The app even will send you emails about how to become an even more skilled flirter and how to make more money. The apps suggests to, Encourage him to talk about himself, Respond quickly and always put the ball in his court, Don’t give it all away, and Add personality to your conversations.

Phrendly claims to be an app solely for entertainment, to flirt without consequences, and to Get the Attention You Deserve. Whenever, Wherever. (their website). Most of the users that I’ve encountered are on the app to flirt specifically by sexting through phone call and video chat. In a way this app can be seen as a step below being a cam girl. However, there are some men that I have chatted with that are trying to find a long term relationship and connection. I have talked to 69 men on Phrendly, and by looking through the messages I have concluded that 59 of them were just on the app to flirt and only 10 were seeking a relationship.

I can say confidently that many women are on Phrendly just to receive a paycheck because of the reviews writing about the app on the app store. Some of the reviews from women include,