In the ever-evolving landscape of digital dating, a new app called Tea is taking the internet by storm, offering women a platform to anonymously share their experiences and warnings about potential romantic interests.

The women-only safety app has rapidly gained popularity, skyrocketing to the number one free app in the Apple App Store with over 4 million users. Created by Sean Cook, who was inspired by his mother’s challenging online dating experiences, Tea allows women to flag men as “red” or “green” and share detailed insights about their interactions.

Users can search for specific men, create alerts, and even run background checks or reverse-search photos to verify a potential date’s authenticity. The app’s viral spread on platforms like TikTok and Reddit has sparked both excitement and controversy, with users finding it simultaneously entertaining and concerning.

While the app claims to promote safety and create a “sisterhood” of support, many users like 22-year-old Cid Walker acknowledge that the platform often devolves into gossip and potential cyberbullying. “I feel like if people were to use the app how it’s supposed to be used, this could actually save a lot of women from being hurt or harmed,” Walker noted.

The app’s popularity has not been without pushback. Some men have called for its removal, arguing that the platform could lead to potential misrepresentation or doxxing. However, similar community efforts like the “Are We Dating The Same Guy?” Facebook groups have persisted, suggesting a continued demand for such platforms.

Tea requires users to verify their gender through selfies and promises anonymity beyond chosen usernames. The app also claims to donate 10% of its profits to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, positioning itself as more than just a dating gossip platform.

As digital dating continues to transform, apps like Tea reflect a growing desire for community-driven safety and transparency in romantic interactions. Whether it’s a valuable tool or a potential source of digital drama remains to be seen.