Is it as creepy as everyone thinks?
Everyone knows what Tinder is. It’s been the talk of the town since it’s arrival in our lives way back in 2012 (4 years?!).
For many friends, when they heard the word “Tinder,” they would immediately scrunch up their noses in disgust. But since the app became popular, it has become a genuine way of meeting potential partners (if you’re savvy).
The era of fearing the ‘how did you meet?’ question was born – not to mention practising a rehearsed response: ‘Oh…erm…at a bar – yeah at a bar’
Only the brave dared to admit they met on the app. Even if it was in embarrassed hushed tones followed by a quickly devised explanation to avoid judgement.
However how many couples has Tinder put together? Is the Tinder dating pool really that shallow?
Under-delivering dating websites prove that personality analytics and mutual interest algorithms do not equate to good sexual chemistry. So what lessons can we learn from this sexual satnav? Is it just a free hook-up app, or can it be more than that?
Can Tinder really find you love?
Meet new people
It’s a great way to meet new people and have people to talk to – and I think this is the biggest positive of the app – it connects you with new, interesting people who otherwise you may have never met. It’s just up to you to sieve out the weirdos/self-obsessed from the good, genuine people.
Sometimes it’s just having that person to talk to at the end of the day, someone to share your thoughts with. Once you’ve found someone to talk to – you can take it where you want to. If you get bored, you can simply stop talking.
Great for the pushed-for-time / or the lazy / or the shy
If you don’t have time to go out all the time and meet new people, or can’t be bothered to move from your sofa, or are really nervous meeting new people – Tinder is perfect!
From the comfort of your own home, you can pick and choose who you are attracted to – and if it works, it works. If not, then you haven’t really lost anything.
If you get bored of it (which you probably will) then you can just put it down and pick it up again when you want!
A confidence boost
I do think Tinder is more than just a tool for constant validation of your worth, but when you wake up to 10 suitors – even if you don’t reply. it’s realllly nice to know they’re out there.
It also is a great way of building that confidence in simply talking to new people.
It Works
And, when you’re ready, if you choose to meet up – sometimes it genuinely works out. I know so many friends who have been with their other halves for years, moved in together – even getting married. All who met on Tinder.
Yes, there are some right arseholes on Tinder – but that’s the same as the real world. If you choose to go for someone who makes it blatantly clear that they only want a one-night thing, then obviously a lifetime love may not blossom. But if you choose wisely, it can work really well.
Tinder Tips for Guys:
From ‘playing’ tinder with friends, here is an idea of what works, and what doesn’t – if you genuinely want to be swiped right:
Right Swipes:
1. Dog photos. Okay, honestly any guy with an animal in their picture got a right swipe because that’s cute.
2. Smiling with teeth. These pictures looked happy and spontaneous. Definitely a better choice than a selfie.
3. Good lighting. Very important because then we can actually SEE what you look like.
Left Swipes:
1. Shirtless selfies. I’m sorry but I’m not a fan of seeing a half-naked stranger every other swipe.
2. Pictures with other girls? Wait, isn’t this a dating app?
3. Weird bios. Anything pushy, sleazy or odd was too off-putting to merit a right swipe. Sorry boys.
Overall, I think Tinder is actually a good thing. Yeah it is maligned for being ‘shallow’, or a ‘hook-up’ app, but there are people on there genuinely looking for love.
With the largest pool of single people on a single dating app – it is the best online place if you are looking to talk to someone new.
Remain open minded, and give it a go – don’t write it off because of what you’ve heard. It is still relevant, still real and still a really good place to meet local singles.
What are you waiting for? It’s a match!
