But if Whiplr is morally obligated to guide newbie users into the world of kink, should apps like Tinder and Grindr also be compelled to educate their users on the risks of meeting strangers and unsafe sex?
With more and more dating being done thorough apps and websites, it seems inevitable that these apps and websites will eventually serve every type of dater (see: Mullet Passions and 420 Singles). Now a new dating app has launched to fill a recently expanding niche: BDSM enthusiasts and novices can use Whiplr, Tinder for the kink community, in order to find a few playmates.
Whiplr, “a messenger with kinks,” uses the same location-based format as the ever-popular and somewhat infamous Tinder, but with a few tweaks. Firstly, the login is anonymous, meaning that you don’t have to link to your Facebook in order to make a profile. Next, it asks users to chose their kink category and level of experience. The categories are purposely broad, and include preferences like fashion, objects, behavior, materials, accessories, sounds and so on. Users can range from professional doms to curious novices, and the app welcomes all levels. Users also must denote themselves as a dom or a sub, and can define their sexuality on sliding scale (no need to pick a binary; you can be “75% into men,” “60% into women,” or any other percentage you’d like).