This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Molloy chapter.

It’s going down I’m yelling Tinder!

Yes, I’m sure we all know that Tinder is everywhere we go. It seems like everyone and anyone you come into contact has the app or even one of the other hundred dating apps that exist. I myself have even tried it out just because of the hype surrounding it. Swiping left or maybe even right has become a pastime of men and women everywhere- especially when we find ourselves still in bed at 1 in the afternoon and are too lazy to get up.

(C’mon we probably all have found ourselves doing it.)

There are many reasons why one may find themselves on this app but let’s take a step back. I’m sure we all have seen our grandparents or maybe even parents and thought “Hey, maybe one day I could have a relationship just like them” or even, “Will I find that person just like they did?” My grandparents have been married for over 50 years, I know someday I would want what they have (but hey, that’s just me, you do you!). But as time goes on I’ve realized technology is making that idea of a 50-year romance harder to achieve. They didn’t have this kind of technology and they found each other! Having people to choose from as potential boyfriend or girlfriend material right at our fingertips, is not all it’s cracked up to be.

Having all these dating apps does get you out there but, I can guarantee that 99% of people on those apps are definitely not looking for something long term. Before apps like Tinder were around you actually had to go out and interact with people. By going out and being social you make connections that are much deeper than hiding behind your phone screen. It may seem like Tinder is helping you at the time when in reality it’s hurting you.

You’re probably asking yourself “How is a harmless action of swiping left or right hurting me?” It’s taking away from your social interaction. Instead of going out and meeting new people, you can stay in bed all day if you wanted to, just swiping away waiting for the words ‘It’s a Match!’

Social interaction is key if you want to be able to function in society. Having communication skills with people without hiding behind a profile or phone screen is a huge part of being functional. Tinder is making it harder to actually go out and physically meet with someone and go on a date. When you know you’re behind a screen you can act more like yourself but, you should be able to be yourself in person too.

Everyday more and more people within our generation are using apps like Tinder deeming us the “Generation that doesn’t want relationships or commitment.” This statement has truth behind it. Apps like this make it easy to get around being committed and move on from one person to the next just by using your phone. We should break the stigma and go out and date! Be adventurous! Don’t live trapped behind an app and your phone screen! Live your life with real people, real interactions while you still can.

Just because the app is there, easy to use and ‘everyone’ is using it, doesn’t mean you have to.

Links in order for gifs above:

A Generation Ruled by Swiping

We wanna slide into your DMs