US Military Deploys Unconventional Tinder Ads in Lebanon
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the US military has taken an unexpected approach to its psychological operations (psyops) – advertising on the dating app Tinder. These ads, targeting Lebanese residents, carry stark warnings against attacking US interests or allies.
The Tinder Campaign Details
- Content: Arabic-language ads featuring the US Central Command (CENTCOM) logo
- Message: Warns against taking up arms, stating the US will “protect its partners from threats by the Iranian regime and its proxies”
- Visuals: Linked to a CENTCOM tweet showing F-16 and A10 fighter jets
- Discovery: First reported by freelance journalist Séamus Malekafzali via social media
Why This Approach Stands Out
While military psyops are standard practice, their placement on a dating platform marks a significant shift in digital strategy. As reported by the Washington Post, this unconventional approach has sparked discussion within military circles about appropriate channels for such messaging.
Policy Violations and Removal
Tinder confirmed the ads violated multiple platform policies:
- Violence prevention guidelines
- Safety protocols
- Advocacy restrictions
“We promptly removed it,” stated Tinder spokesperson Philip Fry in comments to TechCrunch.
Broader Context of Military Psyops
This incident follows:
- The Pentagon’s 2022 review of its psychological operations
- Past controversies involving fake social media accounts
- Ongoing debates about appropriate digital engagement strategies
When contacted by TechCrunch, a CENTCOM spokesperson declined to comment but did not dispute the Washington Post’s reporting.
What This Signals
The Tinder campaign highlights:
- The military’s adaptation to digital communication trends
- Evolving challenges in balancing message dissemination with platform rules
- The blurred lines between information operations and social media advertising
As geopolitical tensions continue, observers anticipate more innovative – and potentially controversial – approaches to military communications in the digital space.
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