If you don't know what Tinder is, I assume you live under a rock. Tinder is a dating app that allows people to choose who they want to text based on five pictures and a 140 character bio. While some people accuse Tinder of being shallow, others hail it as the future of dating. I decided to interview some people to find out what people really use Tinder for, hookups or love, as well as include a few tips to survive this app.
Faye, 20
Why did you download Tinder?
"I thought it would be fun to meet people, especially people you wouldn't normally meet!"
Faye actually just downloaded Tinder a few days ago (I may have bullied her into doing it) and is already totally addicted. She had just broken up with her long-term boyfriend about a week ago and realized she had totally forgotten how to flirt/talk to guys, so it was Tinder to the rescue! If you have trouble talking to members of the opposite sex, Tinder is the perfect place to get some practice in. Not only is it a huge ego boost to have a ton of people hitting on you and telling you that you're attractive, it's also a non-frightening way to practice your flirting skills. If you mess up and come across as a spaz, then you can simply never talk to that person ever again because, hello, you've never really met this person. That takes a great deal of pressure off talking to someone for the first time so you can have as many social faux pas as you want, and it still won't matter!
Anne, 20
Anne is actually reddit famous for her tinder profile on the r/tinder subreddit. So be warned, people, what you write can end up anywhere on the Internet...just like some of the messages guys sent Anne!
You've got to admire his persistence. He doesn't give up, and he also likes to keep things fresh by asking about your fruit preferences. Go get em', Cristian.
First of all, Anne, you are a master craftswoman of the English language. Secondly, his response is also just fantastic. He knows what he wants out of life, and he is going to go get it! Note the casual reference that he is driving around, implicating that if Anne had asked him to come "hang out" he could be on his way in seconds. A hunter of the booty indeed.
I can't tell you enough how important spelling and grammar are on something like Tinder. You have a finite amount of time to make an impression on someone, and if you text like a 5-year-old, you're going to come across as just plain dumb. Don't you want to be perceived as intelligent and cultured like the beautiful Anne here? Make an effort people!
These screenshots also show that no matter what you say or who you say it to, there is the possibility that it will become public. Be careful about what you put out there and remember that your safety should always come first.
Alex, 21
Why did you download Tinder?
"I move around a lot, so I use it to meet new people."
Do you use it for hookups or dates?
"Dates. I think it's a pretty cool way to meet girls I wouldn't normally meet. If I talked to a girl for a bit and she seemed cool, I'd ask her if she wanted to go out sometime."
Has Tinder been successful for you?
Yes, actually! I met my girlfriend on Tinder, and there is no way I would have met her without it.
Some people actually like to use Tinder for more than just hookups, so don't despair if all you have received is booty calls. The cool thing about it is there is an almost unlimited number of options for you to choose from so you can just keep kissing those frogs — your prince or princess will find you soon.
After interviewing all of these people, I have come to the conclusion that Tinder can be used for just about anything; it all depends on how you decide to utilize it. If you want to find the love of your life, then don't put up with the booty calls; wait for the right person to swipe right. If you do want just casual hookups, then never stop swiping right because someone will say yes. Whatever you want to use it for, Tinder can make it happen for you, so in my professional opinion, download it (if you're single — no cheating!) and have a fun time swiping on all of those dime pieces.
