Dating : An honest evaluation of dating apps

We’ve all been there. Tinder first launched in 2012, whilst Bumble was first harvested in 2014. I commend you if you haven’t used one of these apps! Legit. One of the lucky ones.

I’m writing to settle the debate, Tinder vs. Bumble.

Fun fact: Bumble’s creator Whitney Wolfe Herd was the co-founder of Tinder. She also sued fellow Tinder co-founder and ex-partner Justin Mateen for sexual harassment.

I applaud her bravery and willpower in what would have been a terrible ordeal for those involved.

Please note, there’s no right or wrong answer here. Everyone uses these apps for varying reasons.

Here’s my answer.

• More users
• A fixed limit of swipes per day
• Reputation for casual flings
• The freedom to start conversations
• Potential to be catfished

To be blunt, more users = more people to waste your time.

We can all agree that it’s got a trashy rep, for better or worse. Despite the trash consensus, I’ve met some wonderful ladies using Tinder.

Also, the fixed swipe limit is a blessing in disguise. Who else is going to tell you that’s enough Tinder?

Another perk is having the freedom to start a conversation, the freedom to showcase your personality.

“Hey, how are you” is tasteless! Be confident and original. Don’t be mundane and boring. Would you ever go up to a stranger in real life and say that?

Then don’t do it on Tinder with strangers!

Catfish do exist on Tinder. My mate nearly got hooked by one. Sorry Dom. Be careful — if it seems to good to be true then it is.

My advice — link one of your social accounts to your Tinder. That way, at least you’re not a catfish.

• Fewer users
• No daily limit of swipes (I think?)
• Favours traditional dating
• Women must start the conversation within 24 hours
• The option to verify your profile — easier to catch the catfish

Fewer users, fewer people to waste your time. An inherent advantage over the much more diluted Tinder. The feature to verify your profile helps keep those catfish at bay.

As the “talent pool” of Bumble is more concentrated — it’s easier to find what you’re looking for in a partner. Although one’s dating profile only reveals so much. And most people do resort to the easy “hot or not” approach.

Just watch yourself — don’t get sucked into the vortex of spending half an hour aimless swiping at strangers. As far as I know, there’s no swipe limit.

What frustrates me about Bumble is that women have to start the conversation. I enjoy having the freedom to say something original. It’s their biggest flaw.

Sure, they had to separate themselves from Tinder.

I thought, what if I could flip that on its head? What if women made the first move, and sent the first message?

I’m more dedicated than ever to helping advance gender equality — and putting an end to the misogyny and toxic masculinity that still plague society.

— An excerpt from “A letter from Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd”, see the full letter using the link provided.

Sure, it does empower women “to make the first move”. It enables women to be in control of the match.

In my experience, half the women I’ve matched don’t “make the first move” anyways.

No problems with that, some people are shy. Talking to strangers isn’t easy. Maybe it’s just me.

Some people just use these apps to accrue matches and serve their ego; both males and females. People got their reasons.

And yes, it does flesh out the men who ask “wanna come over?” or “send nudes” after a day of talking.

But what about the men who know that’s not right? Those who treat women with respect? Those who have personality and want to showcase it?

And what about the women who do like men making the first move?

Back to Tinder.

I think she’s mistaken advancing gender equality for product differentiation.

I salute their company mission, yet they can still stand for the same values without their illusion of empowerment.

I’m interested to know if women do feel empowered by being forced to message first. I’m open to being wrong on this.

For me, it’s extremely close. Both dating apps have their flaws, that’s for sure.

I choose Tinder.

Yes, there’s more trash on Tinder. More people = more trash for everyone. More catfish, more thots trying to subscribe you to their “premium Snapchat”.

Nonetheless, having a level playing field and the freedom to be original is what does it for me.

What’s right for you? Depends who you are and what you’re looking for. I’ve armed you with some of the pros and cons. Use ‘em.

The best advice? Don’t limit yourself to these apps. Go and meet people. Be ballsy and showcase yourself.