A few months ago, my best friend convinced me to get a Grindr account. Actually, she forcibly downloaded it on my phone (after forcibly taking my picture) and began messaging random guys for me. Innocent me said that I would never use it after that night... Apparently, I lied to myself.

I have been on and off Grindr, attempting to meet some interesting people. My experiences have been surprisingly normal, but most importantly, I didn't get killed by any of the guys that I decided to meet. If there's anything that I learned from utilizing this "tool," it is that it's OK to get out of your comfort zone, as long as you are smart about it.

After spending some time taking advantage of Grindr, I learned a lot about myself, the gay community, and the dating/relationship community. Even more, it made me realize how little I know... So, here are the questions that I have after testing the waters of Grindr for three months.

1. Is Grindr making it harder to find a real relationship?

Trying to find a relationship on the Grindr app is not necessarily easy, but not necessarily that difficult either. The majority of people on this app seem to be looking for hookups, but a fair portion of guys are looking for actual relationships, albeit casual ones (for the most part).

The biggest issue with this app is also its biggest advantage: there is a huge world of opportunity opened up to gay men, which makes it easier than ever to find (and drop) potential partners. In other words, finding guys has never been so easy, making the search less of an adventure and more of a pastime. This is a big problem.

2. Does Grindr make it easier to change your mind?

While its comforting knowing that there is a large pool of guys to choose from, it makes staying in a relationship more difficult. Rather than solving issues, I find myself myself not wanting to commit completely to another person because there are so many other potential partners likely willing to meet me on Grindr. Although this situation does happen in the "real world," I feel it is worse on a casual app that requires no face-to-face connection to begin with.

3. Why doesn't anyone want to date?

At first, this didn't bother me that much. "What's the harm in just meeting people and getting to know them without considering it a date?" I told myself. The nonchalance I have had toward the idea of a "date" has morphed into more of a conflict. On one end, I enjoy the informality of encounters, but if I want a serious relationship, this may present some issues.

I have realized that the word date is, in fact, not in anyone's vocabulary on this app. Actually, I've had one person propose to take me out on a date. One. Out of hundreds. And no, watching a movie on a MacBook Pro does not count as a date, even if both parties call it one.

Maybe my problems with Grindr are unique, or maybe every guy that uses this app can relate to what I have to say. Either way, I believe that Grindr is both a blessing and a curse. While it's a great way to meet new people, it also may be problematic for the future of real relationships, assuming that's what the seeker truly desires.