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There is a fantasy of sorts amongst young people: An organic meet-cute in which you stumble into your perfect soulmate. However, this is less realistic than ever.  

There has been a shift in the way young people interact with each other in their day-to-day lives. It is now looked down upon to approach potential dates in public.  

Grand View junior, Lisa Jennings explains. “I think it’s way less common to meet people organically. People aren’t meeting up with each other anymore. I think it’s a lot harder to meet someone in person than on a screen … It’s awkward for both people.” 

There are different reasons to use different apps. Tinder, for example, is considered by most college students (but not all) to be a hookup app. Other apps, such as Hinge and Bumble, are considered for those interested in a relationship. As well as this, there are exclusively gay dating apps: Like Grindr and HER. 

“If I want to meet interesting people, I go to Tinder, if I wanted to actually be in a relationship with somebody, I’d go to Hinge,” said Grand View junior, Emily Tavegia. 

While there is not a shortage of dating app options, it is rare for young people to experiment with lesser-known dating apps.   

Dating apps are largely impersonal unless one chooses to meet up with their match, making them appealing to those choosing to dip their toes into the dating pool. Receiving matches on dating apps can provide a confidence boost, lighthearted conversation, and entertainment. Without the pressure of wasting the other’s time, users can organically find connections.

“People that normally won’t put themselves out there, in real life, are people that either don’t know how to socialize or think ‘well maybe that person isn’t going to be attracted to me,’” said Tavegia. “I feel like Tinder, or any dating app, is a safe space to put themselves out there.” 

There is a danger with the impersonal element of dating apps as well. Excluding the obvious danger that accompanies meeting up with a stranger, making compatibility decisions based on photos and a short description (that many people do not even read unless the photos have already caught their interest) is shallow.  

Dating apps, at their core, are based on surface-level attraction.  

But is this a problem? Tavegia says no.  

“Honestly, it’s not really a problem. If you think about it, that’s what people do in person too. They’re not going to come up and talk to you if they don’t find you attractive in most cases. Unless you get to know somebody first and you don’t find them attractive and then you do. I feel like it’s the same concept. People are going to be shallow if they’re going to be shallow,” Tavegia said.  

While it is more common than ever to use dating apps, a stigma remains. 

“I feel like most people I know, who are single, have been on a dating app at some point. Even if they hate to admit it,” said Jennings, “There’s a stigma behind it. I think everyone thinks, ‘oh you’re on Tinder you’re that desperate,’ or ‘you’re a sl*t,’ or you’re just looking for hookups, which isn’t always the truth.” 

Tavegia echos this sentiment.  

“When you meet somebody or you’re in a relationship with somebody, it’s always embarrassing to say ‘oh, I met them on Tinder.’ Or if you’re going on a date, you don’t want to tell your friends or family that you’re going on a Tinder date. It’s so stigmatized even though it’s so normal,” said Tavegia. 

So why are college students on dating apps? The answer is simple: Dating apps are the new normal.  

“I think college can be a lonely experience for a lot of people. It’s the first time you’re on your own and you’re trying to be independent … I think that drives a lot of college students to [use dating apps]. Because they’re lonely,” said Jennings. “The ads that I see for Tinder are all younger people in college.”