College students use dating apps as a new method for connecting with peers, which some may compare to traditional dating websites.
Arizona State University student Brandon Dovgan explained Tinder, a dating app, and traditional dating websites are “similar in the sense that they both require starting a conversation and getting to know someone virtually before physically.”
Tinder produces about 26 million matches per day and does not charge a fee, according to its official website.
eHarmony, a dating website, matches members based on compatibility and charges a fee, according to eHarmony official website.
While dating websites and dating apps have similar attributes, they do have their differences.
Dovgan said, “The apps are targeted at a younger audience, don’t require payment, are strictly local, and generally you meet a lot more people using the apps.”
Dovgan explained that most of the apps used by college students do not cost money and do not ask questions about one’s interests. The students download the app and can immediately begin meeting other people who use the app.
“They’re different because the dating apps are more predicated off of superficial connotations, such as the way you look,” said ASU student Colton Dodgson. “There’s no personal information exchanged or even a conversation unless people find you attractive.”
Dodgson explained that the apps do not prioritize matching users based off of personality traits, rather the users try to match themselves with someone they find attractive.
Although Tinder has produced over 9 billion matches, according Tinder’s official website, some college students express their disliking toward the use of dating apps.
“People have no confidence to walk up to a girl and talk to them in public now because they’re so used to doing it behind a screen,” said ASU student Zach Mayfield. “And now girls think guys that come up to them are creepy because they’re so used to guys doing it behind a screen. It’s promoting social media rather than going out and meeting people.”
Mayfield said using dating apps is not a proper was to build friendships or create relationships.
“It’s really stupid superficial and shallow way for people to feel good about themselves,” said Dodgson.
Dodgson explained that using apps that don’t prioritize matching users based on personality traits and is a shallow and an ineffective way to meet people.
“Im a social person and I like to meet people in social settings rather than sit behind a screen,” said Mayfield.
Mayfield explained that meeting people in person is better way to form romantic relationships and friendships with people.
Other people who have used dating apps focus on the opportunities the apps have provided.
“It really broadens the amount of people you talk to,” said Dovgan. “It allows you the chance to get to know people before actually meeting them.”
Dovgan suggested that people who have trouble meeting others should use the apps to connect with people who live around them
“It’s made it easier to strike up conversations in person and flirting because I’ve had so much experience with it through using the apps, it’s sort of a training-camp for the real world,” said Dovgan.
