Right now, you’re probably visualizing which section of your phone it is where you tuck away that boxed orange flame. Perhaps, instead you’re considering your maybe-embarrassing and definitely-impressive swiper to swipee ratio. Did you just dim the screen brightness before you opened it? When Tinder first became a thing, we couldn’t bear the thought of telling anyone that we actually went through with dating someone from the internet. “I just like the attention,” some said. “It’s just something to do when I’m bored,” others chimed in.
But are we still feeling so embarrassed to say we’ve met up with someone who we started judging based on just pictures and factoids? Why is Tinder so different from OkCupid, Match.com, or just dating in general? It’s really hard to tell; some people who have met on the site have just gone on one date, while others have gone on to get married and have children together.
After having deleted the app probably more times than I’ve ever swiped right, I’ve realized it should be needless to say that one shouldn’t be ashamed to be looking for something – anything. Attention? Maybe you got some matches. A relationship? Here are some prospects. Sex? I don’t know about you, but that flame icon seems a bit suggestive.
There’s no doubt that the people behind Tinder have honed in on the idea that this app is just for hooking up with other people, and they have certainly capitalized on it all in the form of their advertisements. It is, however, one person’s responsibility to realize that this form of media is at their fingertips and is to be manipulated by them only.
I’ve given out my phone number on this app a few times with every intention of following through to meeting someone. Whether the actual number of times seems like too many or really not enough, I can’t help but feel someone out there is going to judge it for its cover story. I have bothered my friends for advice, run through potentially awkward situations and freaked out about what family would say should they assume I met someone on an app that is notorious for catalyzing the recreational bang.
The truth is this: If you are an adult who wants to meet other adults romantically, then this app is for you. Sure, you only get a snippet suggestion of what someone may be like if you were to meet them. Maybe their cheesy pick-up line was too cheesy for you, but you’re allowed to move on, sis. Additionally, if you think you have more fun meeting people in person, and the idea of trying to like someone through a phone screen seems too chaste in every sense of the word, then by all means, please continue to exist as the all-in-one package of charismatic, straightforward, physically appealing and well-spoken creature you are because some of us cannot even fathom the thought of dating without some guidelines.
This app has brought some nice surprises to my life, and although I’d like to take credit for the times it has made me happy, I must bestow that onto this platform.
Tinder is not taboo, and it should remain as such. If you hesitate in telling people you met someone on a dating app, you are doing yourself a disservice by implying you’re not allowed to have fun. Whether it be because you want attention, a casual fling or a person who complements you nicely, you are entitled to yourself first and foremost. However, I do feel the need to state that if you are one who strings people along for personal gain, I would determine that as abusive behavior, and I would like to recommend that you delete this app.
Happy swiping, y’all.
Image credit: Giphy.com, fearlessmen.com