Mobile dating apps, like Tinder, are changing the way people seek out romantic partners. Last year, 22 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds in the U.S. used mobile dating apps, up from 5 percent in 2013, according to a Pew Research Pew Research report.
But does the online element take the awkwardness out of meeting people?
Not a chance. We’ve rounded up what some Marylanders have said about their successful—and unsuccessful—experiences with Tinder.
Proto just downloaded tinder and I feel like this is the beginning of a very entertaining adventure
— Patrick S (@CaptainPSher) June 21, 2014
A blogger describing @Tinder “It is like walking into a bar — the bar in Star Wars. It’s like that.” Agreed.
— Kristin Pryor (@kristinpryor) January 17, 2015
Each week I find out another couple met on tinder & each week I am more confused.
— Kerri D (@KDressed) August 8, 2014
I’m guessing my neighbor’s Tinder date didn’t go so well. She usually doesn’t slam the door until 3am. #tinder
— Sarah Martin (@USSmartina) November 12, 2014
And if you aren’t familiar with the app, here’s how it works: When you log into the app, the profile of a potential match pops up. You have a decision: swipe left or right. A swipe right means you’re interested. A swipe left means, “Nope.”
That moment when you swipe the wrong way on tinder pic.twitter.com/oFSsq08u7n
— Barry McCockinner (@token_mongolian) August 6, 2014
If you swipe right on a partner who swipes right on you, congrats! You have “matched.”
I MATCHED WITH JESUS! PRAISE HIM! I don’t even know why the Lord is on Tinder but YASSS! @ Heaven https://t.co/9d6mRH51C3
— ruth (@ruthnakaar) May 7, 2015
This guy on @Tinder a profile photo of him with Julian Castro. Not gonna lie, for a second I thought I caught me a Castro brother. #HotDamn
— K. Travis Ballie (@KTravisBallie) June 30, 2014
Once matched, users can spark conversations (or doom them) with private messages.
Jake on Tinder: “hellllooo Danielle, you have a horse, YES”
— Maddie (@MaddiePoolee) July 16, 2014
Tinder also lets users get picky with their preferences, no matter how specific.
I saw the hottest girl on tinder but her shirt said old navy so I had to pass
— saintlaurentboy (@swannmeyer) August 22, 2015
If you’re not the hot one in your group pic on tinder you’re a bad person.
— Ryan (@Rytide) December 15, 2014
Tinder in the DMV is more fun than Tinder in hampton.guys down there look like the stuff that comes off your uggs when you clean them.
— jada??? (@j__duuuhhhhh) December 13, 2014
And while people use Tinder for a variety of reasons…
Ahhh, I love totally messing with guys on tinder. If you need me I’ll be trying to convince guys we have a kid together.
— Jessie Loftus (@inasnowballmood) October 29, 2014
This idiot gathered all his matches from Tinder and put them all in a group text…….the results are hilarious http://t.co/ZK1L4tJwYO
— Cali Nino (@SikkSounds) June 11, 2014
Today I interacted with someone for the first time on tinder. we talked about Mac n cheese and then I stopped when they asked for my #. #sly
— Nick Duque™ (@oovoid) November 4, 2014
If nothing else, Tinder is hella entertaining. Especially if you message someone in all song lyrics.
— Parna Banerjee (@Parna89) August 9, 2014
…its mobility allows users to swipe, well, just about anywhere.
To every girl in Tinder: we matched while I was on the toilet
— Jess Beattie (@Master_Beattie) February 4, 2015
Keep swiping, people! If you’ve got a funny dating app story, tweet us at @CNSmd! Happy Valentine’s Day!