Crush or Flush: Good Relationships or Exploitation?
By Nina Atwood
IceBreaker, a start-up led by two ex Microsoft employees, has obtained funding to continue with their mobile phone dating service Crush or Flush. This service allows members to surf pictures of other members via cell phone, choose someone in whom they have an interest, and if the “crush” is mutual, they can instantly chat via cell phone without giving away their numbers. Hmmm. Sounds interesting. Maybe a new way to connect using a new technology with the goal of meaningful relationships. NOT!
A quick view of Crush or Flush’s web site portal reveals the real intent of the service – sexual hook-ups with strangers. All you have to do is note the sexually suggestive nature of the photos, and tag names like Crazybitch, Hotchick, and another one that’s too offensive to write here. Do we really need more ways to help all the sex addicts out there, more ways to promote sexual exploitation?
The thing that absolutely floors me is that venture capitalists, supposedly highly intelligent, mature people, probably married with kids, would invest in something that has a sleazy tone about it like Crush and Flush. They could use the same investment to promote healthy relationships through web portals that encourage real dating and that provide education. But sex sells well and quickly, so that drives the decision-making.
Entry Filed under: Dating
