Lulu App Lets Women Rate Men, Raises Criticism

Lulu is a newly released app that encourages women to rate the men in their lives based on dating potential. The app has drawn criticism from both genders who fear it encourages sexist behavior.

The app gathers women’s reviews, which are given anonymously, into a searchable database. Users can then search a man’s rating to determine compatibility.

The official press release announcing this week’s US release of Lulu described how the app works:

“Girls on Lulu review guys they know in a number of categories including appearance, humor, manners, ambition, first kiss, sex, and commitment. The app allows girls to choose a photo of a guy and add his name to the database. They can also add hashtags to his profile so other girls can see what’s most loveable about him, and what to watch out for.”

Positive reviews can include hashtags such as #AlwaysPays, #RespectsWomen, #CallsOnTime, and #KinkyInTheRightWays.

If a man doesn’t measure up to the reviewer’s standard they may end up tagged #Boring, #BabyDaddy, #GlassHalfEmpty, or #WearsEdHardy.

The Huffington Post writes that while some view the rating app to be amusing or helpful, others have criticized its sexist undertones. Backlash across the internet points to the hypocrisy of rating men based on superficial qualities.

According to the press release, Alexandra Chong, creator of the Lulu app, sees the database as a means of sharing information:

“My vision has always been to create a discreet, private space for girls to talk about the most important issues in their lives: their relationships. We provide the essential intelligence about the guy who is both #SweetToMom and #BelievesInLove and yet may also be #RudeToWaiters and #CrazyJealous. This is the stuff you need to know when you’re checking out a guy in Econ 101, at a party, or even on a dating site. Lulu puts the girls in control.”

Do you think an app like Lulu encourages sexism by allowing women to rate the men they know?