As if social media hasn’t gotten more intertwined in our personal lives, another application was created within the past few years that was aimed at dating. And yes, you guessed it, it’s good old Tinder. After growing in popularity, it has become both a simple vessel of eligible dates and a subject of ultimate ridicule. I think there has been a quiet debate created on whether or not this is a legitimate tool for dating or just a complete joke or hookup app.
 

What Is It?

Similar to Grindr, Tinder is a relatively new phenomenon that links people up according to location and personal preference. And when I say “personal preference,” I actually mean their superficial standards. Straight, gay, newly 18 or pushing 30, anyone can link this app up with their Facebook account and basically search for supposed-singles in the immediate area.
 

Superficial

I mean, let’s be serious here. All you do is swipe left if you aren’t interested, or swipe right if you are (or if you just think they’re hot). It’s basically like going into a singles bar and erasing all the people you find unattractive and don’t want hitting on you. Unless you actually care to read the bio that some people throw into their “swipe profile,” you’re solely going by looks.
 
Have you ever thought about how you match up with some of your friends and how you may or may not have swiped right? Think about how big of a burn that could be to their self esteem. And if you both happen to swipe right, congratulations, you both find each other attractive and now have the ability to try and create a conversation. Then, if all goes well, you pretty much set yourself up on a blind date.
 

Convenient

Now, it is true that some have trouble with meeting people, and it’s true that the convenience aspect of the app can sound appealing to those with busy schedules. I mean, come on, all you have to do is get on your phone, swipe right or left, and possibly chat with attractive strangers. It’s a quick and easy way to meet new people that aren’t too far away, and you could in-fact find yourself on future date or with new friendships, that is if you can get past that “we met on Tinder” factor.
 

Entertaining

And let’s forget, Tinder can be a straight up party game. I actually first heard of this application at a frat party amongst a bunch of dudes “rating” each girl that popped up. If you’ve never seen how serious some seem to take this thing, you’re missing out. I’ve seen full biographies attached to the incredibly conceited “man selfie,” profiles that basically advertised their desire to get to third base, and descriptions of how big their “package” is. Oh, and I’ve also seen a Chipotle profile, no damn joke.
 

Potentially Useful

But amongst the scrutiny, this app does possess the potential to be pretty helpful way to get people back into the dating world. Despite the stigma that has developed about Tinder users, the whole roster of users is not made up 100% of losers and desperate hook-up desires. Normal people use it just like any other social media app. The trick that I feel is important to pick up is to NOT TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. Being light-hearted about Tinder, or anything for that matter, allows you to be open to the possibility of meeting other “normal people” who downloaded the app for fun just like you did.
 

Ashamed of Tinder?

Hell no. It’s actually enjoyable to be incredibly superficial sometimes, and you also have some rare instances where an actual friendship can be created. I mean, when else were you going to meet this person that is apparently 15 miles away from you? Probably never. Maybe Tinder is the key to linking soul-mates together (okay, that was a complete joke). Just don’t get on the app expecting to find your long-lost-love, just like when you go into a bar or club. Don’t judge it too harshly, but don’t assume that Tinder is the love vault for you to match up with your secret admirer.
 

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