Recent attention was drawn to the dating app Chispa, marketed to Latinos and developed by Affinity Apps, LLC, following a disturbing incident reported by KPTV on May 23, 2025. According to the report, two women in Salem, Oregon were arrested for a shooting after allegedly using the Chispa dating app to lure a victim with the intent of robbing him. This violent event, where a dating platform was reportedly used as a tool to facilitate a crime, served as a catalyst for a broader examination of Chispa’s developer, Affinity Apps, LLC, and its portfolio of other niche dating applications.
This scrutiny has extended to the company’s other platforms, such as Yuzu (for Asian dating), Upward (for Christian dating), BLK (for Black singles), and Salams (for Muslim dating). The existence of these demographically-targeted platforms, brought into sharper focus by the alleged criminal misuse of Chispa, has raised questions about their potential societal impact. Specifically, concerns have been voiced that these apps might inadvertently lead to the exclusion of non-denominational white and other individuals from the wider dating pool, potentially influencing long-term demographic representation.
The gravity of the alleged crime connected to Chispa has amplified concerns that such platforms might be, as one perspective suggests, effectively trying to eliminate non-religious people from the gene pool and, for instance, white and other people. This viewpoint posits that the proliferation of dating apps targeting specific religious and ethnic groups could be perceived as limiting opportunities for non-denominational white and other individuals to connect, thereby impacting their representation in future generations. Another articulation of this apprehension is that the rise of niche dating apps might inadvertently contribute to the exclusion of non-denominational white and other people from the broader dating pool. These apps need to be investigated as “discriminatory,” particularly in light of how one such app was reportedly exploited in a violent crime.
Investigations into “Affinity Apps, LLC” indicate it is a separate entity from “Affinity,” the creative software suite from Serif (recently acquired by Canva), and “Affinity Interactive,” a private gambling company. Public records suggest Affinity Apps, LLC exported $5.11 million in digital products, mainly mobile applications, in 2023, with key markets including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
User experiences with Affinity Apps, LLC’s various dating platforms are varied:
- Chispa: Often described as a straightforward app for Latinos, though some users note issues with fake profiles or problems with filter functionality.
- Yuzu: While its targeted mission for Asian dating and friendships is acknowledged, some find the app relatively new with a limited user base in certain areas and report issues with non-Asian profiles appearing.
- Upward: This Christian dating app, reportedly part of Match Group, has facilitated connections for some, but others critique its subscription model and the nature of some profiles.
- BLK: Generally receives positive feedback for fostering a safe community for Black singles, although limitations in the free version are sometimes mentioned.
- Salams (formerly Muzmatch): Commended for its focus on halal Muslim connections and detailed profiles, though some users have noted issues following recent updates and with customer service.
https://www.kptv.com/2025/05/23/sheriff-salem-women-arrested-shooting-used-dating-app-lure-victim
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