OK, it's 2023, and people are finally beginning to warm up to the idea that dating apps aren't just for casual flings anymore (but let's be real, they're pretty great for that, too!). In today's modern dating world, where monogamous relationships are just one of the many options, finding your forever person or a match for the weekend has become a lot more convenient.
That's not to say that dating apps are full of rainbows and candy — just because technology is in play doesn't mean the creeps and douchebags vanished like magic. But some platforms (e.g., Bumble, HER, and Coffee Meets Bagel) have done the legwork to reduce your risk of being bombarded with unwanted dick pics and unsolicited messages.
Don't get us wrong; we're not saying the coffee shop meet-cute isn't romantic. But, when it comes down to it, dating apps offer an opportunity to connect with hundreds of people and to explore who you are and what you want in a partner. From steamy sexting sessions to deep conversations about love, life, and what it really means to find someone who shares your love for [insert whatever quirky thing you're into here], online dating is the future and the sexual awakening we've all been waiting for.
Are dating apps worth it?
Whether you're a dating app skeptic or an avid swiper, the answer to this question is the same: For better or worse, dating apps are like personal growth steroids and can teach you so much more about yourself and what you want in a partner than you could ever imagine. But, also, we're not just feeding you lines — we have the stats to back it up.
Statista predicts that the online dating audience will grow to 53.3 million by 2025, a leap from 44.2 million users back in 2020. This pre-pandemic prediction came before the COVID-era dating app sign-ups surge. And according to a 2023 report from the Pew Research Center, one in every ten partnered adults (that's married and committed couples) discovered their current partner through a dating site or app.
We're not ignoring that algorithms influence the profiles you see on your screen, but we're also strong believers that the cosmos aligning still plays a part. After all, the person who joins the app and is looking for love at the exact same time as you is a sweet twist of fate. It's like the universe conspiring to give you what you've always wanted and truly deserved.
What's the best dating app?
Tinder may be one of the most popular dating apps out there, but it's not your only option. And, if you're looking for something serious, there are more choices than eharmony and match. That said, the actual answer to this question isn't one we can answer for you — it's something you'll have to figure out on your own.
What we can do, however, is steer you in the right direction and keep our fingers crossed that you'll read our advice and use it to find features that best fit your lifestyle.
Are you looking for an app strictly for casual sex or an app more serious than Tinder but less serious than eharmony? Or maybe, you'd love to find an app where queer women aren't relentlessly sexualized by creeps and pestered by unicorn hunters. Either way, we've got your back.
And if you're worried about the newest apps on the market, we've done our homework and know what's worth your while and what's not.
Every year, a slew of trendy apps try to set themselves apart from Tinder and Bumble: In 2017, apps like Hater (which matched people based on things they disliked, like slow walkers or Donald Trump) and The League (a snooty, members-only matchmaker with a ridiculous waitlist) were expected to be game-changers. Hater has since disappeared from the App Store, while The League's reviews have gotten increasingly questionable.
How to choose a dating app
There's so much to consider when choosing the best dating app for your needs and preferences. And, with so many apps out there, it can be tough figuring out which platform will work best for you.
But here's a rule of thumb: Start by identifying your goals, consider your location (whether you live in a rural or urban area), and whether or not you're willing to pay for premium features.
If you're looking for casual sex, Tinder and Pure are probably your best bets. If you're interested in a three-way, Feeld offers an inclusive space to fulfill your fantasy. And, if you're looking for a more serious relationship, apps like Hinge and happn might be a better fit for you.
Of course, knowing exactly what you want isn't always easy to say, especially when pulling from the abstract. There's nothing wrong with flying free from the Tinder nest and trying out a few apps or sites you wouldn't usually. Overall, we say embrace the messy ride that is dating.
To get you started, this handy guide breaks down the most popular dating apps, why people like them, and some (actually good) up-and-coming apps that offer a more tailored experience.
via Zero Tech Blog