In the ever-evolving landscape of digital romance, a new and controversial player has emerged: Courted, a dating app where men are required to pay a “deposit” before the first date ever happens. At the center of this firestorm is Mandy, a TikTok influencer and single mother whose bold vision for the future of “courtship” has divided the internet.
As we navigate 2026, the debate over who pays for a date has moved from the dinner table to the smartphone screen. This article explores the mechanics of the Courted app, the philosophy behind it, and why it has sparked such intense global conversation.
Who is Mandy? The Influencer Redefining “Date Prep”
Mandy, known to her followers as Amanda Michelle, is a viral content creator who has built a massive platform by sharing her life as a single mother. Her transition from lifestyle influencer to tech entrepreneur began when she posted a series of videos expressing frustration with the lack of effort in modern dating.
Amanda’s core argument is simple: women spend significant time and money on “date preparation”—hair, makeup, outfits, and skincare—only to often be met with low-effort dates or “ghosting.” To solve this, she envisioned a platform where men prove their intent through a financial commitment upfront.
How the “Courted” App Works: Pay-to-Play or Intent-to-Connect?
Unlike traditional apps like Tinder or Bumble, where the financial interaction usually happens via premium subscriptions to the platform itself, Courted facilitates a direct transfer of value from the man to the woman before the meeting.
1. The Date Preparation Deposit
On Courted, women have the agency to set a “deposit rate.” This amount is intended to cover the costs associated with getting ready for a date. According to Mandy, this ensures the woman walks into the date “already so happy,” which theoretically leads to a better connection and a more positive atmosphere for both parties.
2. Phased Rollouts and Exclusive Access
Rather than a global free-for-all, Mandy has opted for a “city-by-city” rollout strategy. This creates a sense of exclusivity and community, allowing the app to build a localized user base of individuals who subscribe to this specific dating philosophy.
3. Verification and Safety
One of the primary selling points for Mandy’s followers is the “filter” effect. By requiring an upfront payment, the app aims to weed out “time-wasters,” flakes, and individuals who are not serious about pursuing a meaningful relationship.
The Internet Reacts: Empowerment or “The Oldest Profession”?
The announcement of Courted has ignited a massive debate on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. While Mandy views the app as a tool for female empowerment, critics have been less than kind.
The Critics’ Perspective
High-profile critics, including New York Times bestselling author Carol Roth, have compared the model to “transactional” services, with some social media users bluntly stating that Mandy has simply “rebranded the oldest profession.” Common criticisms include:
- The Transactional Nature: Many argue that starting a romantic connection with a financial transaction sours the authenticity of the spark.
- Gender Dynamics: Detractors suggest the app reinforces outdated “provider” tropes while simultaneously commodifying a woman’s time.
The Supporters’ Perspective
On the other side of the aisle, many women and some men defend the concept. They argue that:
- High Intent: A man willing to pay a deposit is showing a level of seriousness rarely found on “swipe-heavy” free apps.
- Offsetting “Pink Tax” Costs: Supporters highlight that the cost of being a woman in the dating world (makeup, salon visits, safety prep) is rarely acknowledged by men.
Dating Trends in 2026: Why Now?
The rise of Courted isn’t happening in a vacuum. In 2026, “dating app burnout” is at an all-time high. Users are exhausted by endless chatting that leads nowhere.
The Shift Toward “Slow Dating”
We are seeing a move toward quality over quantity. Features like “intent fees” and “verified commitment” are becoming more common as users seek ways to guarantee that the person on the other side of the screen is actually going to show up.
The Return of Chivalry vs. Modern Equality
There is a fascinating tension between the desire for “modern chivalry”—where men take the lead and provide—and the push for total gender equality where bills are split 50/50. Mandy’s app leans heavily into the former, catering to a niche that misses the “courting” rituals of previous generations.
Read our previous post: Simple Guide to Smoky Restaurant-Style Tandoori Chicken at Home
Pros and Cons of the “Pre-Paid Date” Model
| Pros | Cons |
| Reduces Ghosting: Financial stakes make it less likely for a date to cancel last minute. | Transactional Feel: Can make the date feel like a business meeting rather than a romance. |
| Financial Transparency: Sets expectations about lifestyle and spending early on. | Safety Risks: Some fear that paying for a date might lead to an “expectation” of physical intimacy. |
| Empowers Women: Allows women to recoup the literal costs of “dating labor.” | Exclusivity: May alienate high-quality men who find the concept offensive or unnecessary. |
Is This the Future of Dating?
Whether you find the idea of a “date deposit” revolutionary or repulsive, Mandy has successfully tapped into a core frustration of the digital age. As Courted rolls out in major cities, the dating world will be watching closely to see if this financial filter leads to longer-lasting marriages or if it remains a controversial niche in the “app-mosphere.”
One thing is certain: the conversation about what we owe each other in the pursuit of love has never been more heated.
Also read: January 20, 2026 Nagaland State – Dear Destiny Tuesday 8 PM