The Tinder Effect

The ways in which people interact, connect, and communicate with one another has changed significantly due to technology. This is parallel to the rise of dating networks. Twenty years ago, dating strictly consisted of face-to-face interactions. A change first occurred when basic dating websites were introduced. These websites asked various questions about interests, hobbies, career, and life. This information is then used to match users with people who share similar characteristics. However, a new dating social network, Tinder, has “swiped” the nation and created a sensation: The Tinder Effect. Tinder has enhanced the need for instant gratification in our “hookup culture”, and by analyzing how it works we can determine how it can and cannot relate to realistic relationships.

Social media plays a huge role in relationships in the new technological generation. Many people meet through mutual friends on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The phrase “it all started with a DM” and “sliding through your DMs” are terms associated with people sparking a conversation through Twitter that ended in a serious relationship. A Direct Message, or DM is Twitter’s messaging service. Through

He also stated that, “Nobody joins Tinder because they’re looking for something. They join because they want to have fun” (Stampler). The truth is that our society has glamorized the “hookup culture”. In many television shows and movies, one-night stands are portrayed as normal. Since Tinder is widely used by younger adults, it sends out a message that using Tinder with sexual intentions is accepted. In fact, seven percent of Tinder users range from ages 13 through 17 years old (Stampler). The vast access young teenagers have to hook-up tools though Tinder is