This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SPU chapter.
As we progress further into the 21st century we find ourselves using technology for everything – ordering food, shopping, finding music, directions, and now dating. For college students there are endless dating apps that allow you to connect with others online and find dating partners – or in most cases, hookups. After exploring Bumble, an app similar to tinder yet created so that the girls message first, I wanted to share some tips for navigating this “swipe left or right” culture.
Co-founder of tinder Whitney Wolfe created bumble in order to give more power to women. Just like tinder you create a profile with photos from Facebook or your camera role, an optional bio, and set your preference settings for potential matches. Then, you begin to swipe left or right to countless faces that fit your preferences. The unique factor of Bumble is that if you match with someone, the girl has to message the guy first within 24 hours in order to keep the match (if you’re looking for same sex matches, either of you can message first). So, after several right swipes and pick-up lines here’s my advice on navigating the Bumble world.
1. The majority of dating app users aren’t necessarily looking for anything serious, just looking to see what’s out there (yes, that means us ladies too). If a guy is on Bumble for fun, he knows that the girl has to message first which takes away the pressure to think of an opener. Unfortunately “Hi” doesn’t usually promote a response. If he has to think of something creative to say back, he will most likely move on and message you back later if he gets really bored. Think of something more unique than “Hi” or “What’s up”. I personally tested this theory and the two out of five guys who did respond waited until it was Sunday evening – four days after I sent this experimental “hi” or “whats up”. This lead me to conclude that they waited until it was a last resort kind of deal. I very well may have been jumping to conclusions, but hey, we only have a small time frame to go off of.
^^^ What a great conversation that was am I right?
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2. Try starting a game. It’s fun to talk with someone that you know nothing about – quickly learn facts by opening with a “coffee or tea” or if you want to test sense of humor try a “fuck, marry, kill”. This will also begin a conversation about things you both like which could lead to date ideas!
^^^ Should’ve seen that coming with truth or dare… I really stepped into that one. No, don’t worry, there was no pursuit after this encounter.
3.If you want to be straight forward, use a unique and almost humorous pick up line. There’s a higher chance of receiving a response from guys if you are forward. It’s not common that women are confident enough to use a pickup line, so stand out with something that shows your personality. Try starting with a funny song lyric (T-swift, Justin Timberlake, Ignition remix) or a song lyric that you actually like to test their music tastes. Use the cheesiest one in the books to break the ice and start talking comfortably.
^^^ I was pretty proud of that last one, not even going to lie.
Despite the usual stigma around dating apps, I say you should be confident about using an online source to meet new people. Treat it as if you are meeting at a party – you are attracted to someone, you make small conversation and get their number in the hopes of hanging out. I hope you found this information useful – or at least entertaining. Let’s meet new people! Good luck Collegiettes.
P.S
Below are some unique message encounters uploaded for your enjoyment. These are conversations that others anonymously provided me – not to say I haven’t had my fair share of bizarre dating app interactions myself. Enjoy!
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