The Rise and Fall of Bidsy: A Controversial Dating App Experiment

In 2026, New York City subway cars featured advertisements for a new dating app called Bidsy, which aimed to revolutionize the dating landscape by allowing users to bid on potential partners rather than relying on traditional bios. The slogan, “Discover your true dating market value,” sparked significant debate about the implications of commodifying relationships. Critics, including comedian Matt Storrs, expressed concern that such an approach reduced individuals to mere objects with price tags, fundamentally altering the nature of romantic connections.

New York Times

Bidsy was conceived by Ryan Beswick as a spinoff from his primary dating platform, Couple. The initial idea emerged from a brainstorming session where the concept of bidding for dates was considered a “wacky” notion. However, as the app developed, Beswick recognized the ethical and social ramifications of its premise. He ultimately described the app as a “transgressive app experience” but decided against pursuing it long-term due to the backlash and moral implications associated with its core concept.

New York Times

The notion of attaching a monetary value to potential romantic partners is not entirely new. It has roots in discussions surrounding "sexual market value," a term that has gained traction in certain online communities. This perspective, which views romantic relationships through a transactional lens, has been popularized by figures such as Neil Strauss in his 2005 book "The Game," which focused on male pickup artists, and Rollo Tomassi, who in 2012 shared a graph on his blog, the Rational Male, illustrating the perceived appeal of men and women over their lifetimes. Tomassi's analysis suggested that men peak in desirability in their late 30s, while women’s perceived value declines after age 30.

New York Times

The reception of Bidsy was largely negative, with many commentators arguing that the app's premise was dehumanizing. Critics highlighted the potential for fostering unhealthy attitudes towards dating and relationships, emphasizing that reducing individuals to a market value could lead to objectification and a lack of genuine connection. The backlash prompted Beswick to reconsider the app's viability, ultimately leading to its discontinuation.

New York Times

While Bidsy was short-lived, its concept reflects a broader societal trend towards viewing relationships through a transactional lens, a notion that has been debated in various forums for years. The app's failure underscores the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding modern dating practices, particularly as they intersect with ideas of value and commodification in personal relationships.

New York Times