Dating : The pros and cons of « the big three » dating apps, from my three years of use

Dating : The pros and cons of « the big three » dating apps, from my three years of use

Alright so a little context, I’m a 21 year old straight man. Im slightly above average in the looks department, I work out regularly, BUT I’m 5’8 so that definitely cuts down my matches. This is Just my experience, I’m sure its different for others. I am also located in a mid sized city in the southeast US that I just moved to about a month ago- so im using current stats for my matches/dates per week.

Tinder- In my opinion its overall the best option. Obviously its meant for hookups, however there are definitely exceptions to this. I’ve had 2 serious relationships come out of this app. The reason I say its the best option is because it has THE LARGEST consumer pool out of all the online dating apps, therefore giving you access to many more people… however a large percent of those people will lie outside of your preferences. This brings up one of the biggest cons tinder has, the lack of ability to set preferences. This makes tinder a much more casual app, you can set up a profile in under 5 minutes and just start swiping. This leads to TONS of people using it solely for validation or even just because theyre bored. (I probably get 10 likes a week, with 3 matches, and maybe a date a week)

Bumble- this app is definitely the common ground between hinge and tinder. It has an interesting concept, forcing the woman to make the first move. If you do match with a woman, there is an extremely high chance she will message you- as the chances are shes on bumble (instead of tinder) in order to find someone that fits into her type (bumble lets you display height, exercise, education, political leaning etc). It also allows you to set discussion prompts, which can really make you stand out if you put in the time to create some original content. Overall bumble allows you to find more serious possibilities, coming at the cost of less users- giving you less dates. ( i probably get 4/5 matches a week, with maybe a date a week)

Hinge- this is by far the most serious dating app in my opinion. If youre on hinge- most of the time you want a relationship- no hookups. This is one reason I like this app, as you dont have to waste your time with people that just want a one night stand. Like bumble, it allows you to set preferences and put in your own information. The biggest thing this app has going for it is that you get an extremely limited number of swipes a day. This signifies to the person you swipe on that you are ACTUALLY interested and not just there for validation or out of boredom. (I get maybe MAYBE 2 matches a week, that can realistically turn into 2 dates a week)

Here is some advice in general for all the apps. First, make it clear what your intentions are (fwb, casual, or serious) Second, dont lie- for example as i mentioned I’m short for a guy- so it turns many people away. THATS OKAY, what are you gonna do if you lie about something and then get into a relationship? Finally, and most importantly, vet the people you match with for a while before going out on a date. The first step to this is to move off the dating app ASAP, get their number or whatever you prefer. Talk to them for a few days- not excessively, but just make sure they are who they claim to be and that they seem like a decent person. I used to just go on a date the same day we matched, and that gives you many more catfish or just shitty people in general that you could have weeded out.

Please leave any criticism, or advice of your own!