“Why is every guy looking for a slightly autistic woman with no sense of direction?” I bellow from the mountaintops, only for my own question to be echoed back to me.
This, of course, is a dramatization, something we writers do quite often. However, after downloading Hinge for the first time in June, screaming into the void is the recurring mental image that has been replaying in my head every time I open the app.
As someone in my early 20s, I feel like I have a vaguely unique experience in getting Hinge for the first time. I’ve been surrounded by friends and peers using the big two, Tinder and Hinge, since high school and into college. I was in a committed, long-term relationship in my late teens and early 20s, so I was always the observer rather than an active participant. And from what I observed…let’s just say, I wasn’t feeling very envious of my friends.
We can always delve into the bleakness of dating in 2026. For instance, I’m sure you know the terms “situationship” and “swipe fatigue” all too well. Or perhaps you’re aware of the commodification of dating, especially through apps, and how it’s most definitely targeted towards women. However, I just wanted to share my experience with Hinge, so heed my warning that I’m keeping things light, fun, and flirty!
So, when did I join the metaphorical Dark Side? It was the beginning of summer 2026, and my friend had caught me in a moment of weakness. In June, things move slower, thighs get sweatier, and our guards go down. That’s how I found myself staring at my own face being AirPlayed onto our television as we workshopped my profile. I finally managed to narrow down which photos would be lucky enough to make it onto my profile (it went faster than expected), and how to answer those godforsaken prompts (oh, the prompts!). All in all, I think it turned out quite well. I could delve into the details of curating the perfect profile, but that would have to be its own article.Â
So, I think it’s time to discuss what, or who, I was looking for. While I’m aware that long-term, romantic relationships can be formed through dating apps, they’re kind of like an albino capybara: I know they exist somewhere in the world, but I don’t see them often. With that in mind, I emerged into Hinge with very low expectations; if I find someone who’s right for me, great! Otherwise, I’m just here to spice up my summer.  Â
Let’s talk about positives: lo and behold, I did end up finding someone…with an expiration date (at the end of August, they were moving across the country). Now, I can see why this may be unfortunate news. But for a summer fling, it was perfect! In addition, I can appreciate how Hinge allows you to see what people are looking for, letting you prioritize what values you want a potential partner to align with before you even go on a date. Ultimately, I had some fun conversations with people, even if we never ended up on a date.
There were some downsides, of course. But only a couple…million. For starters, it definitely does some damage to your inner self-esteem. Even for someone with as low expectations as me, your confidence goes down a notch when you notice someone you sent a like to doesn’t match. Even the most self-assured person will be affected by that, even subconsciously.Â
Another issue was the prompt answers. I mean, where do I even begin? Should we talk about all the basic spelling and grammatical errors (“you’re” means you are, for anyone who didn’t know), or that everyone wants a directionally challenged autistic woman? When someone’s prompt said, “All I ask is that you have pretty toes,” I had to pause my account again. No judgment, but we all have our limits!
Being single in your 20s is a very interesting time in your life. Some people are looking for their future husband/wife; some are looking for friends with benefits or a casual dating experience, and some are just looking for the classic one-night stand (I mean, seriously, what do you expect me to do when your prompt tells me you’re in town from England until Tuesday?). If you happen to find yourself on a dating app for the first time, my biggest piece of advice would be to have reasonable expectations, i.e., don’t expect to find your soulmate.Â
Ultimately, just have fun! You are in such a uniquely special time in your life—take advantage. Dating apps aren’t for everyone, but I could see the appeal…with that said, I’ve been ghosted by more women than men. So girls, please get it together. Â