“Catfish” - it’s more than just the name of MTV’s wildly popular TV show about online relationships gone wrong. It’s a term that’s become common in the online world, describing anyone who uses fake photos or false identities on social media or dating platforms.
Catfishing can occur for many reasons: as a financial scam, to chase a thrill, as a form of ‘escapism’, or simply for attention. And thanks to the low standards many dating apps set for profile creation, catfishing has become a global issue that almost everyone has a dinner party story about. You know, the strikingly gorgeous “Jack” from Rockport on Tinder whose blurry pictures you’re sure you saw on the cover of GQ last month in the airport? Yeah, probably a catfish.
But here’s the thing: catfishing isn’t just a minor time-waster or a quirky anecdote. It erodes that trust that’s fundamental to online dating. At Lola, we’re determined to change that narrative.
We’ve put measures in place to ensure our community is catfish-free.
Here’s how we’re tackling the problem:
Profile Verification
Our first line of defense is our profile verification process. Every user who signs up for Lola takes a liveness test that requires them to upload a clear, real-time photo to prove they’re human. Our technology and team cross-check these images to ensure they match the user’s profile photos. Only after verification do users gain access to the platform.
Community Standards
Lola is committed to fostering a transparent and secure community where users can interact freely without fear of deception or harm.
Suspicious Activity Monitoring: We actively monitor profiles for any red flags, including incomplete or fake-looking profiles, unusual behavior, or reports from other users.
User Reporting: If you encounter any suspicious behavior or notice a potential catfish, we encourage you to report it immediately via our in-app reporting tool or by emailing us at hello@lola.com. Our team will investigate promptly
Users found guilty of catfishing or other deceptive behavior will face immediate suspension or permanent removal from Lola.
Behavior Tracking and Post Date Feedback
Unlike other apps that keep you swiping or chatting endlessly, Lola is designed to get users on real-life dates quickly. We prioritize face-to-face interactions because, let’s be real, the sooner you meet someone, the sooner you know if there’s a real connection.
To maintain the integrity of our platform, we actively monitor user behavior, ensuring that users are actively pursuing dates rather than lingering in endless chats.
Responsive Behavior: We track how quickly and consistently users respond to their matches. If a user frequently fails to engage with matches in a timely manner, it could affect their standing within the community.
Date Tracking: After every date, we ask you to provide feedback on their experience. This isn’t just to improve your future dates (although that’s important too!), but also to check if the person you met matched their profile. If something was off, we’re here to step in.
By joining Lola, you agree to these guidelines, and you understand that any violations of our policies will result in action.
This is where your catfish-free, swipe-less, no-bullsh*t dating experience starts.
Let’s keep it real, together.