North Texas Daily

Whether you love it or hate it, Tinder has changed the dating game forever. It’s the new awkward excuse for meeting someone. In the decades leading up to its invention, there was the classic “we met in a bar” explanation for meeting anyone who wasn’t in your immediate social group. However, Tinder and other online dating sites are shaping the way that millenials find love, fun and friendship.

In the early days of dating sites, people were overly cautious. Although meeting in a public place and telling a friend where you’re at is always a good idea, people are viewing meeting up more and more casually. Meeting friends via social media or dating apps isn’t folly like our parents might think. Through the internet, you can connect with people on a much deeper level. This is because it’s voluntary. You don’t have to text, tweet or message back. Dating apps instill a sense of lighthearted fun – you don’t have to talk to anyone you don’t want to.

Never has it been so easy to find someone who’s interested in at least your appearance. The internet has taken out the awkward social factor of having to work up the courage to talk to someone. When you’re conversing via your thumbs, there’s not much to be nervous about. A quick app download can do wonders for your self-esteem as the likes pour in.

Illustration by Samuel Wiggins | Senior Staff Illustrator

Even those who aren’t into bar hopping or going to parties can easily meet people online. This is one of the greatest perks for anyone who finds it hard to meet new friends. Dating apps like Tinder make it easy to meet people you never would without them. By expanding your horizons past the 10 miles you usually frequent, you have endless opportunities to meet people you’ll like even better than the people surrounding you.

Gone are the days of high school, where you’re really only friends with or dating someone because of their proximity. You don’t have to settle for people you’ve known for years anymore.

Dating apps are even creating features specifically for you to make friends. With a bigger pool to choose from, you’re likely to find quite a few people interested in what you are. Whether it’s Star Wars or a super niche indie band, someone out there has it listed in their profile. Tinder just created a feature where you can find groups of people in your area that are going out. It’s an easy, stress free way to find new friends who like doing things. Plus, in a group setting, it’s bound to be much less awkward.

Dating app Bumble switched up the game altogether. Although it seems to be the Greek Life dating app of choice, connections seem to be more genuine than on Tinder. This is because on Bumble, the girl must message first. Gone are the days of disgusting pick up lines, because the girl makes the first move. It’s not for everyone – especially for those who have a strong opinion that guys have to message first. Bumble also has a feature unlike any other app – a feature solely for finding friends. You can toggle between the dating and friendship areas, making the app more versatile for those who really want it all.

Although their intended purpose often isn’t for making friends, dating apps have become so much more than a place to find a casual hookup. Although there’s still plenty of that going on, too.

Dating apps will have a significant effect on how people interact. As more apps with more features are created, the process will only mature. It’s nice to meet new people, especially from the comfort of your own bedroom. It is called social media, after all.