“Tindstagramming” is the terrible new dating trend that combines the worst of Tinder and Instagram

Online dating in 2017 is already complicated enough, without people using Tinder to stalk you on Instagram. Unfortunately this is what’s happening as part of a horrible new trend called “Tindstagramming.”

New York magazine’s Select All came up with the term. “Tindstagramming” is the act of sliding into someone’s Instagram DMs after failing to match with them or never receiving a response on Tinder. Since Tinder began allowing users to link their Instagram profiles to their account back in April 2015, this is now easier than ever.

Users that opt to link Instagram already have public Instagram accounts. Meaning anyone can send them messages. For many Tinder users, part of the allure of Tinder was the anonymity. Tinder profiles don’t include last names. And the amount of personal information you share is completely up to you.

However, sharing your favorite Instagram photos may end up costing you your privacy.

Several women shared their experiences of “Tindstagramming.” They took to Twitter to post the worst examples. false

i connected my instagram to my tinder account n apparently guys in chicago think that means "slide in my DMs if we don't match"

— the last webmaster (@ThatAndPotatoes) September 13, 2017

Last month, Twitter user @hidad_soup shared screenshots of a troublingly aggressive message sent to her friend. The lengthy note, filled with derogatory statements, shows a true dark side of the internet dating world. 

so this friend of mine unmatched a guy on tinder and this is his response to her on instagram (and this is only half!) pic.twitter.com/D4BrKtTFTd

— 貧乏人 (@Stone_Umbrella) September 21, 2017

Madison Killan, a Tinder user who has been victim to Tinstagramming, told Select All her worst experience involved an angry man sharing her personal information in a personal ad.

“Usually, it’s some dude saying he saw me on Tinder and thinks I’m hot, Killan said. “They definitely come across as super douchey, and obviously don’t respect boundaries when they message you. The one that I did respond to, he got so angry that I turned him down that he wrote a fake Craigslist ad and posted my Instagram, and I woke up to like 15 horny dudes messaging me.

This is cyberbullying and it’s truly terrible. We hope Tinder finds a way to stop this behavior. In the meantime, stay safe on the apps, and report users for inappropriate behavior.