People swiping left or right reminds me of high school days where we would let people rate us based on our appearance. As if a profile and a picture will tell you all about your future Tinderella or Prince Charming. I’m a millennial, but when it comes to dating, I think I’m “old school.” I still have hope that guys will ask me out in person or if need be, over text. I refuse to acknowledge “Netflix and chill” as a legitimate date. I view Tinder as a dating app that we are too young to be using. Aren’t dating apps supposed to be for people in their late 30s who haven’t yet found their significant other?
What happened to meeting people outside of the cyber world? What happened to going out and mingling? I find myself spending loads of time on the Internet, whether it be Facebook or Instagram, either posting about my life or watching others live theirs. I don’t want to commit more hours of my day trying to establish some sort of “perfect profile” to enhance my chances of meeting my “soul mate.” If you are one of those people who are on Tinder to meet “the one,” I guarantee you have a better chance of being struck by lightning. Time is precious and I refuse to waste my time talking to people on an app that does not take dating seriously and treats human connection as a game. This app is another contribution to the complexities and confusion that arise with millenial dating. If you want to read more about that topic check out this article by Beatriz Speich.
I will not download Tinder because I refuse to contribute to socially anxious millennials. People are so used to communicating online that in person, social interaction becomes an awkward and anxious encounter. It is abnormal to mingle with strangers, to use the words, “want to go on a date,” and to ask a person if they would like to be kissed. In addition, Tinder and the people you meet in its cyber world do not disappear. For instance, I have seen friends recognize people from Tinder and cringe because of an unpleasant memory or frequently, I have heard the saying, “that is the guy from Tinder.” I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to be known as “the girl from Tinder,” since I am more than an online profile.
I find Tinder promotes shallowness and vanity. I have heard people say, “ew she’s ugly or ew she’s fat,” as they swipe left. Therefore, most people swipe left or right depending on the photo being shown to them. This is problematic because it fosters habits of judging people by their appearance, as if a human being cannot be more than their looks. For others, Tinder is an ego boost: as they observe the amount of attractive people they can match with.
Additionally, Tinder is being used as a platform for sex. If you are into that, then goodonya mate; however, my issue with this is that it should no longer be called a “dating app” and instead be named for what it really is. Possible suggestions: “Sext and Sex” or “F*ck and Go: I’m lovin’ it.”