If, like me, you’ve been living under a rock these past few years and have no idea what Tinder is, I’m here to give you the gist of it.
Tinder is basically a dating app which allows you to meet men and women within a certain range of your location. Unlike other websites or applications, it doesn’t rely on algorithms that’ll match your interests with other persons online. Instead, you have full control on whom you’ll give your “Likes”.
So this whole experiment started at least a month ago. My friend actually suggested that I use this app to meet new people and make friends. It seems intriguing based on blogs and advertisements, so I gave it a try.
How to use Tinder
- You can download Tinder on Google Play (Android) or App Store (iPhone).
- Once downloaded, you have two options to create an account: 1) using your Facebook account, 2) using your phone number and email.
- For safety reasons, I opted to use my phone number. I decided that if I become more comfortable with the people I meet, then I’d add them to my FB friends.
- Once you have an account, you can edit your profile by adding a photo and writing a short bio. I added two photos on mine: with and without make-up (or in my case, eyebrow gel and lipstick).
- You can also adjust your discovery range from 2 km until 160 km. The basic range is within 80 km, but I changed mine to about 40 km.
- You can also link your account with Instagram and Spotify to make it more personalized.
- After you’ve tinkered your settings, you are ready to swipe away!
Tinder Swipes
When you start, you are given only two options: swipe left for Nope, and swipe right for Like.
When you’ve swiped enough, you’ll be given these additional options:
- Super Like – or you can swipe up. This will notify the person that you’ve Super Liked him/her and will give you better chance of being liked back.
- Boost – using this will raise your profile up your potential matches’ list for about 30 minutes. Don’t worry though, your matches won’t know that you’re using this option.
- Rewind – say you swiped left on a profile you actually like, you can use this option to see rewind and swipe right. And also, vice versa. Although, I just usually Unmatch when I accidentally liked a profile I was not really interested with.
All three options are available for limited use if you are using the free app. But, if you decide to commit and buy Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold, you’ll get more options and control. You can also expand your discovery range even around the world!
When you swipe right and they do the same on your profile, it means you’re a match. Afterwards, you have the option to message them or wait for them to make the first move. Whatever happens next is up to you.
My Tinder Experience
As I said, I’ve been using the app for a month now. So far, I’ve matched with at least 30 people, and had chat conversation with at least 12. They are of mixed nationalities, mostly Japanese, Brazilians and Americans. I’ve met two guys, and they are courteous and gentlemanly.
As of writing this blog, I am in constant communication with 5 out 12 men, and friends with 2 out of those 5.
It was a nice experiment. I enjoyed meeting new people, although I am quite terrified of actually seeing them in person. Maybe it’s because I’ve lived in Manila and found strange men to be creepy at times. And there is also the stigma that if you are using a dating app, you are more likely to put out.
I can honestly say that I am using this app purely to find friends. It actually makes me feel uncomfortable when they start being endearing and sweet via chat. Being called pretty when you know you’re not is a bit unnerving. And having anxiety problems, I find it hard not to over-analyze each of their messages if there are any hidden meanings.
But, I am happy with my experiment. I’ve met a few people who share my interests and I feel comfortable enough to hang out with. It makes living alone less lonely. It also expands my knowledge learning new languages and culture.
However, the introvert in me is a bit drained with all the socializing. And I decided to end my experiment after a month. I’ll be closing my account by the end of August, and hopefully have meaningful friendship with the few people I’ve met. My experiment had a good run and I am happy with the results.
Would I Recommend?
I think it is a good app. It is very practical and an easy way to meet new people. Just exercise good caution when you set-up actual meetings or dates.
If you want to try this app as well, I recommend being honest on your profile. It works better in making a conversation. Chivalry is not dead, but that doesn’t mean that creeps aren’t lurking in the alleys. Ladies be careful, and gents be courteous.
…
So, in a week’s time, I’ll be back to my regular schedule again. I am still hoping that the friendships I made will last long. But, if not, I might try again next time. I’m just enjoying the journey. Talk to you again soon! 🙂
My Journey 