Last Updated on February 8, 2023
The Basics
Tinder started as a dating site and was initially advertised as a relationship-finding app; however, the primary focus for most Tinder users is hookups. In 2012, the app was created by two guys who tested the app with college students as a new way to explore matchmaking. Popularity quickly grew across many college campuses since dating apps removed the added stress of finding someone to talk to while also trying to maintain good grades and a social life.
The premise of the app is simple. Users get potential matches purely based on their geolocation and then swipe left to reject the recommendation or swipe right to approve them. However, the app is primarily geared toward younger adults in the 18 to mid-20s age range, and it charges higher subscription service fees for older users instead of offering the same pricing for everyone.
The site removes cat phishing accounts or anyone trying to solicit money, but some fraud accounts still slip through. The downside is that some legitimate accounts are shut down or banned, and the customer service is reportedly terrible.
In general, the app is based purely on physical attraction as opposed to personal survey answers or forms of personality attraction. Users can connect their Facebook profile, Instagram, mobile number, or email address, so it’s easy to contact them, and they can provide a brief description in their bio, but this is not required.
What to Know About the Tinder Dating Community
In general, there are more than 8 million Tinder users online each week, and it is one of the most commonly used dating apps. Most users are based in the US, and as of 2022, 75% of Tinder users are male. In addition, the majority of users are between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.
Since Tinder is purely based on physical attraction, most users expect a one-time hookup or casual sex instead of a long-term relationship. Users can unmatch or block other users if they change their minds later, but you cannot search for other users unless you have matched with them previously.
Pricing Information
Tinder has free and paid subscription memberships and the option to purchase boosts. Tinder is free to download and register, and free accounts can add a profile photo, swipe through potential matches nearby, and give one “Super Like” each day. Messaging is also free between members who both swipe right on each other. In addition, free users can swipe left as often as they want but can only swipe right or approve a certain number of matches daily.
The first paid subscription level is Tinder Plus, which allows users unlimited likes each day, removes advertisements, and gives you unlimited swipes right each day. Tinder Plus also allows users to use five super likes a day, provides one free boost each month, and lets you see other users from different areas of the world.
Tinder Gold is the second tier and gives all the same features as Tinder Plus, allowing users to see who swiped right on them first, making matches faster. Gold subscribers also receive access to Tinder’s Top Picks, which provide users with potential matches they will likely match with quickly based on previous matches.
The highest paid subscription level is Tinder Platinum and includes everything from the lower levels, as well as priority likes, where your potential match sees your like ahead of others. This level also allows users to message someone before a match is made by both users and allows users to see any likes that they’ve sent in the past.
Boosts can be purchased for any account, and using a Boost will place your account at the front of the line for recommendations in your area. The Boost lasts for 30 minutes, and users who utilize these tend to receive more matches than those who don’t.
Are There Bonus Features?
Tinder has a live video call feature and allows unlimited free messaging between matched accounts. However, if one user no longer wants to receive messages from a current match, they can unmatch, and the other user can no longer send them messages. Tinder also allows users to delete conversations but does not allow them to delete individual messages.
Tinder also provides more safety features in the app, including travel alerts and removing the sexual orientation displayed for LGBTQ+ users traveling to places that may penalize non-straight users. They also offer Noonlight for American users who can share when, where, and who they are going to meet with an emergency alert button in the event that they need to contact authorities, and a sexual violence reporting system that partners with the US-based company, RAINN, to help users report sexual assault or violence.
The Bottom Line
Overall, Tinder is easy to use and will possibly get you in bed with someone, but there is little chance of finding a lasting relationship or any real romance. With no way to really know who you’re matching with, you never know if their photos are real or if they have a decent personality before you speak with them.
Most females on the site use some form of filter or doctored image, so you end up with a date that only somewhat resembles the attractive picture, provided you find a female you like, considering the ratio of men to women on the site.
Additionally, since there is no way to filter based on personality or find certain users, swiping through potential matches one at a time can be tedious and time-consuming. Free users only have 100 right swipes daily, so if none of your right swipes match with you, you end up starting all over again the next day. In total, only about 20% of users find a date.