5 Popular Dating Apps and My Raw Opinion
As the world becomes more and more digitized, so does our dating culture. Meeting someone in a coffee shop or bar and hitting it off, is nos slowly giving away to many people meeting “their person” online. More and more people are turning to dating apps to find their next love interest. Here are the most popular apps to try and my raw opinion about each one.
1. Tinder
Arguably the most well-known dating app, Tinder has made swiping left or right a cultural phenomenon. With its simple interface and wide user base, it’s no wonder that millions of people worldwide use it to find dates and make connections.
My raw opinion: It’s pretty much a hook-up site, however, I have heard of people meeting a match that eventually led to marriage. My ex-husband leaped at the chance to get on the app when we were breaking up. Joining even before he moved out. He also put up an old photo from before the marriage 10 years ago. I’m positive he is not in the minority of users who use old photos as click bait to attract potential partners.
2. Bumble
This app has a similar format to Tinder, but with one key difference: women must make the first move. This puts more power in the hands of women and allows them to control the pace and direction of the conversation.
My raw opinion: I signed up and deleted the app within 24 hours. I just couldn’t get past making the first move. It went against every fiber in my being. If you are a woman who doesn’t mind initiating contact, this might be the app for you.
3. Hinge
Hinge aims to be a more thoughtful and relationship-oriented dating app, using a series of prompts to encourage users to showcase their personalities and interests. With a focus on matching people who have mutual friends or interests, Hinge has become a popular choice for those looking for more meaningful connections.
My raw opinion: I met a few men on this site and ended up with several first dates. One man I dated three times which I will write about soon. Overall, this was a lukewarm experience for me, mainly because people rarely follow through once a conversation has begun.
4. OkCupid
One of the older dating apps, OkCupid has a loyal following thanks to its extensive profiles and in-depth questionnaires. With a focus on personality and compatibility, it’s a good choice for those who are serious about finding a long-term partner.
My raw opinion: This was the absolute worst app. The quality of men was horrible. One white man sent me a message and the opening line was, “You’re chocolate, I’m vanilla. Let’s swirl.” I am not exaggerating. Another man had a full rant in his “about me” section that was full of grammatical errors. The rant included a section about women who are on these apps and still “must have trash pussy”. After a few days, I once again realized this app was not for me.
5. The League
The League is marketed as a high-end dating platform, catering to ambitious professionals who are looking for partners who are just as driven as they are.
The League takes a unique approach to the matching process, allowing users to set a variety of preferences when it comes to potential matches. Users can specify their preferred education level, career field, and even ethnicity. This helps to narrow down the pool of potential matches and ensure that users are connected with people who are truly compatible with them.
My raw opinion: The concept appealed to me. I thought I would have access to a better quality of men. Most of the men were professionally at the top of their game which was refreshing. However, the app wants to charge for every single thing. Like increasing the number of matches you see beyond the daily limit. Or, activating the feature that allows you to see who is looking at your profile. There isn’t much diversity on this site which leads me to my next issue. My matches were often curious about my ethnicity. When I simply replied, “Black”, the conversation never went further. Not sure if this was coincidental or what, but it was strange and weird nonetheless and between this and the money grab, I decided to get off this app.
Alternatives to Dating Apps
My dating app experiences ultimately led me to get off the apps and prioritize meeting men in person. If you are like me, and not a fan of dating apps, you’re not alone.
Here are a few alternatives to consider:
1. Attend social events: One of the best ways to meet new people is to attend social events in your area. Whether it’s a concert, a sports game, or a party, these events are a great way to mingle with new people and potentially meet someone special.
2. Try speed dating: If you’re looking for a more structured way to meet new people, consider attending a speed dating event. These events typically involve a series of short dates with different people, allowing you to get to know them quickly and decide if there’s a connection. Meetup is a great site to find these events.
3. Ask friends for introductions: Your friends know you better than anyone, so don’t be afraid to ask them if they know anyone who might be a good match for you. They might be able to set you up with someone who shares your interests and values.
4. Take up a new hobby: Joining a club or taking up a new hobby is a great way to meet people who share your interests. Whether it’s joining a book club, taking a cooking class, or volunteering, these activities allow you to connect with others in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to meet someone. Whether you choose to use dating apps or prefer to meet people in person, the most important thing is to be open and willing to put yourself out there.
