TikTok seems to have birthed a controversial new trend that’s capitalizing on relationship insecurities: “loyalty tests.” As reported by the Gazetteer SF, these tests have transformed from a TikTok novelty into a thriving gig economy, with influencers and tech startups alike cashing in on people’s fears of infidelity.
The concept is simple yet ethically murky: For a fee, suspicious partners can hire attractive strangers to slide into their significant other’s DMs, testing their loyalty through flirtatious exchanges. The results, often shared on TikTok, range from heartwarming rejections to relationship-ending responses.
Camille Monzon, a 28-year-old project manager moonlighting as a “checker” for the loyalty test website Lazo, shared her conflicted feelings about the practice. “On one hand, it’s like, f*** yeah, we got this guy,” she told the Gazetteer SF. “But on the other hand, it’s like, ‘F***.’ This girl’s life is…she’s heartbroken now.”
The trend has spawned an entire ecosystem of content creators and services. Influencers like Trinity Howard and @madelinepleasehelp have turned loyalty testing into a lucrative business, charging up to $165 for expedited tests. Meanwhile, platforms like Lazo have emerged, offering a marketplace of “checkers” ready to tempt partners for fees ranging from $40 to $80.
Proponents argue that these tests provide a necessary service in the age of digital dating. Ashlyn Nagasu, Lazo’s community manager, defended the practice, stating, “We just catch cheaters because we just feel like that’s necessary. We should be outing these people.”
However, critics warn that this trend may be doing more harm than good. Stacy Torres, a sociologist at UCSF, sees loyalty tests as symptomatic of a broader erosion of trust in society. “There’s no safe space in terms of what information you can trust that’s out there,” Torres explained to the Gazetteer SF.
As the loyalty test industry continues to grow, with Lazo reporting over 50,000 registered users since its launch earlier this year, it raises important questions about trust, communication, and the impact of social media on modern relationships. While these tests may provide temporary relief for the insecure, they risk normalizing deception and mistrust. More importantly, this “loyalty test” could result in some serious consequences.
Dwayne Cubbins
400 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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