Dating in 2026 Feels Like a Digital Game
Modern dating often resembles an endless video game. Apps promise genuine love but frequently deliver only swipes, ghosting, and conversations that lead nowhere. Singles across the globe desperately crave authentic connections. Yet the entire process remains frustratingly stacked against them.
Women routinely dodge creepy behavior from potential matches. Men constantly search for real attention amidst the noise. Everyone secretly wonders if technology has completely killed old-school romance. The scene feels exhausting for many people.
Meet Mandy: The Influencer Behind a Controversial App
TikTok star Mandy, whose real name is Amanda Michelle, describes herself as a single mother. She now aims to rewrite the entire dating rulebook. Amanda is actively promoting her forthcoming application called "Courted."
Her bold concept requires men to make a prepaid "date preparation deposit" before any first meeting. Women on the app will determine the specific deposit amount. Amanda shared her excitement in a viral video that spread quickly across social media platforms.
"This is actually happening," she enthused. "We are building the app right now. I'm not even exaggerating. This will be the best dating app you have ever seen." She plans a phased city-by-city rollout. Early access is currently available through the link in her TikTok biography.
How 'Being Courted' Could Transform Dating
Amanda pitches her app as a genuine game-changer for modern relationships. Women can set the deposit to cover expenses like hair styling, manicures, or a new outfit. She believes this allows a woman to arrive for the date feeling fantastic.
"The woman can set the deposit rate herself," Amanda explained in her clip. "This lets a woman walk into the date ‘already so happy.’ That happiness would naturally lead to a ‘better date’ and a ‘better connection’ overall."
Men receive an opportunity to practice real courting behavior. Successful daters can proudly say, "He ‘courted’ me." Amanda calls this super cute. She also raves about the app's stunning website design and its unique features.
The Idea Receives Fiercely Mixed Reactions
Amanda's video went massively viral on both X and TikTok. However, public opinion remains sharply divided. Carol Roth, a New York Times bestselling author, offered a blunt critique online.
"Congratulations," Roth wrote. "You’ve essentially invented prosti******." Other critics echoed similar sentiments. One person commented, "Every few weeks someone discovers the oldest profession and thinks they invented something brand new."
Sarcastic responses flooded social media. One user wrote, "Lmfao. Modern women are completely COOKED!" Many detractors view the concept as purely transactional rather than romantic.
Defenders See a Different Bigger Picture
Amanda's supporters present strong counterarguments. They claim the deposit system effectively weeds out unserious flakes. Paying money demonstrates genuine intent and commitment.
This approach could ease significant safety concerns many women experience during dating. The app taps directly into emerging 2026 trends like paid "intent fees" on other platforms.
Widespread burnout from endless free swiping makes paid models more appealing. As a single mother herself, Amanda frames this as smart female empowerment rather than simple greed. The debate continues to rage as dating culture evolves.
