I've read a lot of articles and think-pieces recently about how Tinder is ruining the sanctity of dating. How our virtual endeavors have made us into anxiety-ridden shells who cannot find love outside of a computer screen. While there may be some water to that theory, to completely disregard the relationships that have come out of Tinder, would just be wrong.
The entire point of a dating app is to quickly meet people in your area. If you are unfamiliar with Tinder, it is essentially an app that allows you to meet people in your area. You swipe right on their picture if you're interested, and left if you're not. It's a simple formula which yields quick results. Yet, it's come under fire for "ruining" dating in the 21st century. However, I think Tinder has done the opposite and has improved dating as a whole.
One argument against Tinder is that this swiping method is incredibly shallow. To decide whether you're interested based on looks alone is perceived to be narcissistic, and demeaning to the entire process of seeking a mate. The thing is, if you do not find someone attractive based on a few photos, it's likely you wouldn't have approached them in "real life". It simply speeds up this process and links you with the people you would have approached anyways.
Another argument against Tinder is that it glorifies "hookup culture", a culture that is sex-based and void of emotions. There seems to be a large emphasis on "hookup culture" in many articles that criticize the millennial generation, but especially so in articles about Tinder. It should be stated first that hookup culture is nothing new, it's just become less taboo, and thus more acknowledged. Secondly, Tinder is not solely a hookup app. There is a great deal of people on the app looking for meaningful relationships. It's a quick way of weeding out people you wouldn't be interested in building a life with and quickly introducing you to the people whom you would be.
Tinder is also an incredibly efficient app, as stated before. It is quick and to the point. You decide in a matter of seconds whether you are interested in a person, which cuts out the middle man of trying to avoid conversing with a person whom you would have no interest in. It is also ideal for people who simply don't have the time to go out to bars, clubs, etc. to meet new people. It gives you options rather quickly and allows you to decide whether the people it shows you are right. It saves time and energy and often yields better results than an outing would.
The app is also an incredible asset for people with anxiety or other social disorders. It takes away the stress of having to go out and meet people and allows people to speak through an interface that has almost zero stress. No more being forced to go to bars or clubs to try and meet new people, one can meet new friends or partners while laying all snuggled in bed.
The most undeniable proof that Tinder has been beneficial to the dating world is the number of couples who have met on Tinder. Thousands of people have met partners and even friends on the app. While naturally, not every relationship has worked out, there are many people who have met someone special by simply swiping right on a picture.
While there are of course some drawbacks to using Tinder, it is not the sibyl that it is made out to be. At its core, it's a simple way for people to meet other people. It shouldn't be shrouded in mystery nor controversy. So if you are interested in the virtual dating scene, go ahead and start swiping. It's at least worth a try.
