In the past few months, college has provided a whole new set of experiences for me. I've walked home at two in the morning, cried over online chemistry homework, and ingested countless questionable meals from resident dining halls. Most importantly, though, I downloaded the teenage version of eHarmony, most commonly known as Tinder.
Now, for all of the skeptics out there doubting the wondrous powers of this app, let me tell you that I was once on your side. In fact, up until a month ago I hadn't even heard of the app (yes, it has been suggested that I may or may not live under a rock). Yet, that all changed on one of the many nights where insomnia decided to haunt me. As I lay in bed, I was trolling the usual social networking sites: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. I was obviously delirious because, in that moment, I decided that I wanted yet another social media account because clearly I wasn't connected to people enough with my four plus accounts as it was. I went on the app store and found one called "Tinder." If I had bothered to read the VERY long description about the app instead of being rash, I very well may not be writing this article. Instead, I typed in my password and began playing around. Soon enough, countless photos of people began popping up and I found myself more confused than ever. It wasn't until I saw the giant green check mark and horribly mean red X that I realized it was some sort of judgment game. Before I knew it, I was hitting that green button (swiping right) and the giant, glaring red X (swiping left) like a pro. I was even more shocked when I realized these people could like you back and, thus, form a "match." It was like I had entered into a whole new universe. I felt like I was on my very own episode of "The Bachelor," while still enjoying the comforts of my room. It wasn't long until I learned the ins and outs of the Tinder world, and discovered the amazing and hilarious things it has to offer.
1. The Embarrassingly Gross/Hilarious Pickup Lines
If you're on Tinder for an average of 30 seconds a day, you're likely to encounter a pickup line of some sort, whether it is actually clever or just plain sexual. The very best are when people try to incorporate your name into a pickup line to impress you (i.e. "I think you need to give MIA chance to take you out on a date"). Depending on your personality, you may or may not find this appealing. That said, it is ALWAYS funny.
2. The Confidence Boost
While it's always good to remain humble, everyone could use an extra dose of confidence after looking at today's standards in society. Nothing makes you feel better than when you get a compliment from a complete stranger that barely knows you. Sure, it's purely superficial, but don't we all need to know we look good sometimes?
3. The Excitement You Feel Upon Seeing "It's A Match!"
The giddiness that spreads through you when you see that a person you liked likes you back is so elementary that it's almost embarrassing. Yet, you just can't help how happy you are knowing that you still got it.
4. Trying to Figure Out Which One the Person is in a Group Photo
After some time, you come to realize how frustrating and fun group photos on Tinder are. Sometimes, you like the game of trying to figure out who is who, and other times you're so over it and just want to know if you're interested at all. One tip: do not post only group photos, or you might not get a lot of number three's.
5. Reading All of Your Messages and Showing Pictures to Your Friends
Perhaps the best thing about Tinder is getting to share the fun experiences with the ones you love most. Sure, reading that hysterical message is always going to be funny, but sharing it with your very best friends only makes it even funnier. Discussing which people are good looking is always a good time that often leads to the age-old debate of blondes versus brunettes.
Most obsessions seem to fade, but my love for Tinder has only grown. I've pawned my love for it off on my floor mates, who now come to my room so we can "play Tinder" together and laugh about all of the unfortunate mishaps it brings. In my opinion, we are all modern day Tinderella's just searching for... who knows what?
