To Tinder or not To Tinder?

Ruth Richardson – Staff Writer

Tinder has become more than fire fodder in recent years; it is a dating app set on a whole new level through use of its personalized format and often entertaining bios. More impersonal than sites such as eHarmony, Tinder has a different way of creating matches.

‘Hot,’ swipe right. ‘Not,’ swipe left.

For some people, this method works. For others, Tinder is rife with “hookup” material, making it’s dating game just that, a game.

For two sophomores at Assumption College, Tinder is “just instant gratification…a button away.” The two girls, who chose to remain anonymous, went on to say, “It feels like some people just want confirmation for being attractive… like ‘I have people that like me.’”

One of the girls, sporting a blue Hounds jersey, recounted one of her experiences. “I messaged one guy for a long time. I thought it could go somewhere, but then he just stopped replying.” Why? “[I feel like] the app makes people afraid to meet in person.”

Although social media is an Internet powerhouse, the typical argument against technology is just that—people do not know how to meet people anymore.

However, for junior Ryan Graham, that is not the case. “Girls I’ve met on Tinder, I knew off of [Tinder]. I feel like it’s safer, more comfortable.”

For people who are socially comfortable, Tinder is an extension of themselves and makes it “easier to reach [people],” according to Graham. Is his story a rare success?

Talking next with Bryce Thomas, a junior at the College, her experience has been largely the same. She laughs about some of the more “insane” meetings with guys on the app. “One date I had a couple weeks ago seemed totally normal…he ended up telling me all about his ex-girlfriend [and] how he thought he was [going to] marry her.”

Whoa, red flag. Apparently, he is still not over her. But Thomas appears upbeat about it. “It’s interesting for sure,” she said. Out of her friend group, she is the “only one” to have a good experience with Tinder. Her ex of two years was a Tinder find and she is currently seeing an EMT. “You’re [going to] find all sorts on there,” she said with a smile. “[You’re going to] find someone who’s not ‘kooky’ crazy.”

The polls appear to be mixed, but the outlook seems favorable for Tinder users. Looking at it from Thomas’ perspective, it is a place to find all sorts, but there are happy endings to be found for certain. As a closing note, it is never a bad idea to play the game of anonymity; testing the water will scare the sharks and ensure a more pleasant swim.

Ruth Richardson, a senior, studies English. She is a staff writer for Le Provocateur.