Dating Sites and Apps
Love used to be this serendipitous event that would just naturally occur "when you least expect it!". Now to "find love" we are at the mercy of carpal tunnel inducing dating sites and apps. I originally got on dating apps when I first moved to South Florida because I was told everyone uses them here (no stigma), and that it's a great way to meet people and make friends. I've since confirmed that pretty much everyone down here uses at least one dating app, and it IS "a" way to meet new people.
Some apps are better than others. I also think where you live plays a huge role in your experience. For example, in South Florida, it's rare to find a honest guy that is looking for anything more than a "hook up." In smaller towns, you know or have mutual friends with the majority of the people you're looking at - that can be a good or bad thing, and not to mention the slim pickins. In NYC, it's so easy to fulfill a "grass is greener" syndrome. You'll be on an endless search for the next shiny object, having an endless pool of people to view given the size of the city. So every location has it's nuances. But I wanted to share my experience with the apps I've used in South Florida.
1) OK Cupid - I had no intention of ever using this site because it had such a bad reputation, but I happened to hear one of the founders (Christian Rudder) speak at a conference and it made me curious. So I signed up. By far, this is the worst dating app. It's the literal gallows of the online dating world. I deleted it pretty quickly because I just couldn't take it. So unless unemployed, uneducated, impolite, disgusting, and sloppy is your type, I advise against it.
2) Plenty of Fish - Affectionately, I call this app "plenty of shit." It's not as bad as OK Cupid. And I actually have met a couple of nice guys through here (literally, two... and unbeknownst to me one was technically still married - hi Grant!). A lot of guys on POF exude that "I don't have my shit together" aura. But I will say I've gotten the most entertaining messages on this app, and I do love a good laugh. So I keep it around for amusement.
3) Tinder - Tinder is most commonly known as a "hook up app". And largely, that is what it is. I'm one of those girls with a disclaimer on the profile. It says "I'm not a floozy." And I have met guys on Tinder that weren't looking for just something physical. I think this is one of those location dependent scenarios - South Florida is so transient and people are often looking to meet new people, hook up or not. I've learned to use a pretty strong filter, and it seems to be working just fine. So really, the only complaint I have is the infiltration of unsolicited d*ck pics that are posted as moments on this app. It blows my mind how willing people are to showcase their goodies, especially if their goodies aren't that... well, good.
4) Match - "You should join Match!" That's what I was told over and over again. I finally caved and gave it a shot. The nice thing is that you do interact with guys who are more likely to be looking for something more serious, but the pool of these guys I found was a bit small. I ended up deleting my account because (again, location dependent), almost all of the guys on Match were on all the other sites, too. I also got really tired of yelling at 50+ year old men and telling them that they were too old. :::Beyonce Z-Snap::::
5) Bumble - This app I'm still getting acquainted with, but I really like it so far. It comes off like a less slutty version of Tinder, with the main difference being that the female has to start the conversation within 24 hours of being mutually matched with a guy, or else the match dissolves. But it's too early for me to really give it an assessment.
