Even after several years since its release, Tinder is still the most popular dating app. If you’ve never tried it, you’re definitely missing out on a whole new world of dating and hooking up. But what are some things that you’ll need to think about while finding your Tinder match? How do you know if you should swipe left or right? And what happens if you run into a weirdo or a poser? Keep reading to find out!

What Is Tinder, And Why Is It Popular?

In the last decade, Tinder became the biggest dating phenomenon. It gave birth to a whole new notion of swiping left and right and changed the way new generations dated. The app simply exploded when it became available for iPhone and Android devices, and it is still the most popular dating site.

Currently, over 50 million people of all sexual orientations have Tinder profiles. You can use the app to fulfil various dating expectations and simply meet new people. The app is popular for hooking up and one-night stands as well as finding an ideal mate. And how exactly is it that revolutionary?

Well, while Tinder didn’t change the things we are looking for (flirting, sex, companionship, etc.) it completely transformed the way in which we find and seduce our ideal partners. It is quite different compared to other dating apps and websites. The app’s intuitive programming made it easier for individuals to connect with others with similar interests. Out of all the reasons why it’s so popular, Tinder’s is mostly fantastic because it allows people to find mates that are outside their natural social environment. It makes dating much quicker. Plus, it saves us from a lot of time-wasting and stress that is associated with real-life dating.

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How Does Tinder Work?

Anyone can use this app from their phone, computer, or tablet for free. It’s quite simple to set up a Tinder account. It’s also possible to log in via Facebook. Then, users have to set an attractive profile photo and upload up to nine pictures. Still, even if your pics look cool, it’s always smart to write a short bio. You can describe your personality before you search for people. And what happens next?

Well, you can get likes for your photos. Yet, that doesn’t automatically land you a night of wild sex or a long-term relationship. The app will display photos of other users near you. Then, you’ll get a choice to swipe right or left. And the formula is really simple here: left means “no,” and right means “yes.”  

If someone does the latter and swipes right on your photo, you’ll instantly get a match. Afterward, you can send that person a message and start chatting. There’s also a “super like” feature that you can try only once per day. This is handy because you can use it before you swipe or chat. The user on the other end will see that as a nice gesture. However, try not to swipe too much. The app limits the number of swipes to 100 for each day. Additionally, there are a few other things that can make your profile more visible. That includes a Tinder Gold or Plus upgrade or the Tinder Boost option.

Meeting With Your Match

If your match ends up chatting with you and gets to know you, it’s time for a trial by fire: meeting them in person!

However, before that, you could find that your match isn’t what you expected. If they make you uncomfortable in some way, you can simply unmatch them. This will close your chat with that person.

If you are still scared, there are also many safety measures to try. For example, it’s always handy to do a quick search online for the person’s name. What’s more, inspect their social media pages. If that’s not enough, it’s possible to first meet someone via video chat or talk to them over the phone. Other tips include meeting up in public first and letting others know where you’re headed.

Of course, it’s not easy to flirt online. If you’re chatting with someone, you shouldn’t allow it to go on for too long. You could lose the moment. Take some time to flirt to your match, figure out some of their interests and expectations, and simply ask them to meet in person.

If they agree, simply follow the normal dating etiquette as usual. Try to dress appropriately, smell nice, and act respectfully. People who first meet online will still need to make a good first impression when they actually get together in person, just like on any other date.

Protect Yourself From Flakers and Posers

Unfortunately, Tinder can sometimes be full of weirdos. That includes married people who are looking for some action on the side. In worst case scenario, you could encounter criminals, scammers, or sex workers. But this is highly unlikely, and you can stay safe by following a few tips.

One of the best ways to keep safe is to never give away private information. That includes your address, company, phone numbers, etc. Additionally, don’t discuss your credit card numbers or similar data. If you encounter someone who sends offensive messages or acts inappropriately, it’s always a good idea to block and report them. You can also use Tinder’s own safety features and tips to increase your security.

Summary

Whether you’re looking for a naughty one-night stand or a serious relationship, you should check out Tinder and see what it’s really like. With some patience and persistence, you could find your dream lover and actually meet them in person! Now that you know the difference between swiping left and right, as well as some dating tips and safety precautions, set up a profile and have fun!