Today: Mar 28, 2024

Despite popularity, students skeptical of dating apps

Victoria BresnahanGeneral Assignment Reporter

Sean Judd, a sophomore social work program applicant, who has used dating apps like Tinder, Grindr and Bumble, said he has met a few people through them, but none of the interactions were “worthwhile.”

“[I use it], embarrassingly, a lot,” said Judd. “I just get bored and I go on it, a lot more than I should probably.”

According to a 2017 ABODO survey, an apartment search platform, of the 4,000 college students polled, 4 percent use dating apps to meet potential dates. For both males and females, the main reason for using them was for entertainment. In addition, the survey stated, Tinder was the most popular app and used by 84.4 percent of the students polled.

Judd said this method of dating is not necessarily destroying face to face conversations, but it is impacting it. Marginalized people, such as those who are gay, using the app may have an easier time finding someone to connect through these apps than in real life, said Judd.

“Being gay you cannot just go to any given bar and expect to find someone,” said Judd. “So, I guess that would be a benefit as opposed to just going to a gay bar.”

Alexis Lopez, a sophomore pre-nursing major, said dating applications are not her preferred method to meet new people.

“I would rather meet someone in person I guess,” said Lopez. “Just kind of go with the flow. They have never really been my thing, they are funny though to use ironically.”

Lopez said she does not know anyone who has developed a long-term relationship through one of the apps.

“I know people that have met people and then become good friends with them,” said Lopez, “but nothing more than that.”

Judd said he also does not know of anyone who has developed a long-term relationship through these apps but was able to develop a friendship with them.

“I feel like the two main groups [who use dating apps] are college kids and people who just got divorced,” said Judd.

Alexis Perry, a freshman psychology major, said she prefers face to face communication and interaction over online dating apps. Perry said this modern form of dating could interfere in people’s abilities to be social with others.

“People just get so used to being antisocial by talking to people online rather than meeting up in person,” said Perry.

Sam Widomski, a freshman communication disorders major, said the body language of the person is important in people she would like to date or speak with.

“You are not learning about the [person] if you are just looking at their appearance,” said Widomski, “and if you don’t like [who] you’re swiping.

Widomski said some people use their technology to hide behind the screen and are unable to learn how to have face to face conversations.

“It can be difficult when you are having a one on one conversation,” said Widomski. “You are not really sure what to talk about, and you can’t really think through all your answers for a long period of time if you are answering a text or one of the [dating] messages.”

Photo Credit: Victoria Bresnahan

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