Hinge’s motto is “designed to be deleted,” which sets it apart from the hookup-oriented Tinder. It also boasts that its connections lead to a date three out of four times.
If casual flings and one-night stands are your focus, you should shy away from dating apps that prioritize long-term relationships. Instead, try eHarmony, which uses an extensive questionnaire to connect you with serious matches.
1. They are a waste of time
As with anything in life, you get out what you put in. If you want success with dating apps, you will need to invest some time and effort into your profile, photos, messaging, lifestyle choices etc.
It is also important to settle on exactly what you are looking for from an online relationship – if casual hook-ups are your focus, an app with a heavy emphasis on swiping might not be the best option for you. You may be better off with an app that focuses on compatibility or requires a paid subscription to use.
That said, some people have found long-term love on swipe-based apps. Insider recently showcased a Tinder and Bumble success story and I have personally stood by a Hinge bride who married her match! Just be aware that these stories are the exception, not the rule. Most swipe-based dating apps tend to prioritize appearance over compatibility and are prone to bad photos, fake profiles, spammers, catfishers, low engagement and poor quality of matches.
2. They are a waste of money
Online dating apps do a lot to help people find serious relationships, but they also raise privacy concerns. And they can be expensive. Unless you use the free version, most apps require paid upgrades to access their best features. And if you use more than one app, your monthly online dating bill can add up fast.
It’s worth considering what you’re really looking for before investing in an app or website. If casual flings are your focus, for example, you might want to steer clear of algorithms that place more emphasis on swiping than on finding matches.
It’s also important to note that some sites don’t screen for sex offenders or fraudsters, so you’ll need to be vigilant.
There are many dating apps to choose from, and it can be hard to know which ones will be best for you. Some are geared towards hookups, while others focus on long-term relationships. Luckily, couples’ therapists and relationship experts have shared their favorite dating apps for people who are looking for love.
However, even the best apps are not enough to find a serious relationship. Ultimately, finding true love takes time and patience. Many people who use dating apps are frustrated by their lack of success and are not willing to put in the work necessary to meet someone.
When you subscribe to dating apps you are exposed to a smorgasbord of potentials, many of which may not fit your values or meet your standards. You can find yourself spending a lot of time on the app and having no results. This can be demoralizing and can lead to depression.
Dating apps can be effective when used correctly, but you have to put in the work – it takes time, energy and intention. If you aren’t willing to do that, the apps are just a waste of your money.
The key to success with dating apps is learning how to screen profiles, read people, be patient and cut off the bad ones. This is not an easy task, and you will have to invest in yourself first – exercise, eat well, expand your hobbies, see a therapist, practice social skills and get better photos. These will make you a more attractive and viable date in real life.