Before the data breach, Tea reported a "massive surge in growth" in recent weeks, as the app gained attention through videos and discussions on social media about dating and gender dynamics. The app was listed as the "top free app in Apple's download charts", said The New York Times, "and was also highly ranked in the Google Play store".

Messaging has been turned off on the women's dating safety app Tea, following a hack which has exposed thousands of members' images, posts and comments.

Its full name is Tea Dating Advice, and the central idea is a women-only app that gives those who are dating the ability to access background checks on men. This includes whether they have a criminal record (or if they're sex offenders), as well as reverse image searching to identify catfishing (assuming a false identity online).