Dallas-based Match Group is teaming up with Uber and It’s On Us for the largest nonprofit program in the nation dedicated to college sexual assault prevention, empowering millions of students across more than 2,000 colleges and universities nationwide with information on how to safely navigate the dating scene.
Match Group is the parent company of Tinder, Hinge, and other relationship websites.
The app-based and online dating giant said that together, the partners have created a new guide in consultation with campus safety experts that highlights ways to date smarter and safer, both on and off campus.
The guide also highlights ways to leverage app-specific tools such as Verification and Reporting on Tinder and Hinge, and how to Check Your Ride before getting into an Uber.
“College is a time for new experiences and connections, and dating apps often play a big role in that journey,” Tasha Menaker, senior director of social impact at Match Group, said in a statement. “At Match Group, our priority is making sure that these connections are not only exciting but also safe for everyone involved. We’re proud to partner with Uber and It’s On Us to provide students with the knowledge they need to date confidently and securely.”
How the program works
Match Group said the program’s goal is to arm students with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe and have the most positive dating experiences possible—whether they’re chatting with matches, meeting in person, or catching a ride. It said that new and returning students can get these guides from a local It’s On Us chapter, through a campus ambassador, or online.
More materials will be distributed throughout the school year, Match Group said.
“At It’s On Us, our priority is to ensure that all students are able to pursue an education that is free from sexual violence,” Tracey Vitchers, executive director of It’s On Us, said in a statement. “For many young students, college is the first time they will use dating apps or rideshare to connect with potential romantic partners. It’s critical that students are provided with the knowledge and resources that will help them safely and respectfully navigate their dating experiences from online, to in real life.”
Uber said safety is central to its business model.
“At Uber, safety is at the core of everything that we do, which is why we’ve developed in-app safety features like Share My Trip, Safety Preferences and Pin Verification, to give riders additional peace of mind when they are on a trip,” Emilie Boman, director of safety public policy at Uber, said in a statement. “Understanding that students have places to go, and people to meet, we’ve partnered with Match Group and It’s On Us, to provide them with essential tips and information, empowering them to feel secure wherever they travel.”
Other initiatives to support college students
Match Group said this is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at reaching college students.
In 2020, Tinder partnered with It’s On Us to launch the first-ever national tour providing sexual assault prevention training for college students, by college students.
Tinder also recently rolled out Share My Date, a feature that allows users to share their date plans—including location, date, time, and a photo of their match—directly with friends and loved ones from within the app up to 30 days in advance.
Match Group, Uber, and It’s On Us said they remain committed to helping campuses foster a culture of safety and respect in every interaction, both online and off.
Match Group’s global portfolio of brands includes Tinder, Hinge, Match, Meetic, OkCupid, Pairs, PlentyOfFish, Azar, BLK, and more.
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