Tea App Becomes Allentown’s Latest Obsession

Valentina Yucra | Writer

Man quick to delete "Tea" app

Allentown students and residents are buzzing about a new social media platform called Tea. While the app has spread across the U.S., it has gained great attention in Allentown, Pa. It allows users to post about men, share their dating experiences, and “spill the tea” on those labeled as “red flags.”

Tea uses location-based technology to let women post about men in their area. Founded in 2023, Tea has climbed the charts to the number one spot in July, and is reported to have attracted more than 1 million users. Tea’s appeal comes from its promise of anonymity, but that same feature raises concerns about safety and accountability.

“The Tea app is used by the girls who missed out on the high school gossip,” said Jared Martinez, a college student from Allentown.

While some users enjoy the app’s casual tone, others worry about the impact on local men. Residents report that personal information has sometimes been leaked and used to threaten individuals.

 “I was concerned after my kid in high school was mentioned on the app and had their dating life exposed to the public,” said Ana Bermudez, an Allentown parent.

The app has also reached younger students, raising concerns about cyberbullying and the mental health effects on high school users. Many students describe the platform as creating a digital “tea circle,” where people share, debate, and bond over common stories.

Critics say the app leaks personal information and fuels a “gender war,” marking a turning point in heterosexual dating culture. With every action documented and shared anonymously, accountability has become a growing concern.

The risk of Tea has sparked bigger questions about privacy, safety, and the culture of online gossip. Where is the line between harmless fun and leaking people's private information? Is the Tea app the one thing these girls are clinging to after high school? One thing is certain: in Allentown, the Tea is spilling faster than ever.