“Congratulations! You have a new match!” The Tinder world is like no other. The digital dating phone app has people talking; this app lets its members examine photos and short bios of possible dates. Then, you can settle if you would like to chat or pass as easy as a swipe of a finger. You swipe left or swipe right, but most of the time, if you’re like me, you swipe left. According to the company, it processes more than one billion swipes a day and matches some 12 million people a day (Wood, The New York Times, 2015). Tinder is an easy, casual and fun app, but has it made me a Tinder hussy (one-nighter), Tinderella (modern-day lady) or a Swiper (bored girl)?
To understand my viewpoint of Tinder, you have to know the beginning. Which almost led to an almost long-term relationship.
Almost a year ago, I moved from bipolar state Florida to tacky, bright light city; also known as New York City. I packed eight suitcases with a one-way ticket, I finally arrived at my dream college just thinking about the amazing experience that is yet to come. However, life is never what you expect.
I still can’t believe that this happened just a few months ago and how fast it went. Within three days of moving to my dorm, I was a member of the Tinder world where people joined to “discovery those around them” -- Tinder. Without knowing what I was getting myself into, I just swapped away- Left, right, left, left, left, etc. It was like a whole new world with no hassle and no rejection. Also, you have to understand that I’m not the Tinder hussy that just talks to random guys and have a quick hook up for the night. Nope, I’m not at all that type of lady. I’m that shy girl that likes to keep it to her self. But with the help of Tinder, it was like an icebreaker for me to meet new people or just simply entertainment.
Yes, Tinder can be used for hookups or just modest dates. For me it was basically entertainment; I was to focus on my goals and I was simply bored to tell you the truth. After two nights, I was getting messages such as:
“If an old fat guy puts you in a bag at night, don’t worry, I told Santa I wanted you for Christmas.”-Juan, 19
“I can tell you got your fashion game on fleek.” –Jean, 23
It was fun and hilarious just being on there and reading the messages with my roommates. Then, the Tinder ringtone came on, “Congratulations! You have a new match!” and that’s where everything went from downhill.
Swiping my IPhone lock open, I was sent away to the match page where Jacob, 20 came to picture. According to his Tinder bio, Jacob is Brooklyn born, who is “… quirky, smart, fun, sweet, respectful, apprehensive, intellectual, passionate, a good kind of weird lol, outgoing, curious, loves to travel, open minded, humble, and loyal…” After reading his bio and having an understanding of the guy I was just matched with I was intrigued for he was like no one I have ever matched with before. Then, the Tinder tune went off again, it was a message from a lonely boy- Hi; I just wanted to say you have a beautiful smile (Common Tinder pick-up line). Without knowing what really made me keep the conversation going, the messages just kept coming back and forth. Nonetheless, lonely boy didn’t waste any time, but asked me on a date. Telling him I was busy that day, he didn’t refuse and used he’s well-mannered talent to convince me on a Sunday date.
On a late warm Sunday in late August, my college was having a street fair for the welcome week. It was fun, but I was nervous about what was yet to come. Jacob had planned to meet me after the fair was over. Without knowing what I was getting myself into I waited for Brooklyn boy to come.
Delayed by the bad subway, I called one of my good friends out of boredom. I mentioned to her that I was waiting in the mist of Brooklyn boy to arrive. As she clams me down, for I have never gone on a Tinder date or a blind date. I then got a call; it was Jacob, 20: “Hey, I’m on 59th street meet me by the water fountain.” As I walked to the water fountain, my month dropped with my phone. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. All I thought was I wished I swiped left.
Jacob was the definition of a tall, dark and handsome. But, keeping an open mind and not judging someone based their looks. He crossed over 5th Ave like he was the king of the world. With a welcoming smile, he said “Hello”. I’m not going to tell detailed by detailed of this date. Overall, I had a basic date; Met Museum, dinner, walk in the park, and finally a movie. It was the nice and modern date for a Tinderella; we had a great time and kept seeing each other for a few weeks. Yet, Tinder doesn’t tell you if someone is let’s just say not your type or better yet immature, soulless boy. So the “relationship” ended from there and lonely boy was lonely once again.
After that, I never went on another Tinder date for I’m not a craving Tinder hussy or a Tinderella in the hunt for her soul mate, but a swipper. No, I’m not talking about Swipper from Dora the Explorer. A Tinder Swipper is just someone who is bored and just swipes away with no meaning to it. Furthermore, Tinder is just another Angry Bird game. And don’t get me wrong, some people see Tinder as a shopping setter for hook-ups or a fairy godmother- there’s no problem in that.
Sincerely,
Swipper
