I recently wrote an article highlighting the rise of dating app usage in our current society. As of , the United Kingdom stands as the third largest dating market in the world, with over Dating apps are a major component at play in modern day dating and in the UK the top three dating apps see more than half a million daily active users according to Statista.
Driven by curiosity, I decided to experience what it would be like to try one of these dating apps, and see for myself if the apps are really worthwhile. I decided to do some research and try to find the app that would appeal more to my preferences.
In the end I decided to download Hinge, due to its popularity and because it seemed more serious for dating than other popular apps such as Bumble or Tinder. I gravitated quickly towards Hinge because the setup of the app makes it more appealing to try and learn more about a person, rather than just focus purely on minimal data and appearances. Hinge allows for large scale customisation of your profile, with multiple pictures and prompts, the ability to include videos, voice notes, polls and lots of facts about yourself and what are your dating goals.
In essence I found this app the most fitting to try and to get to know a person the most. Little did I know my expectations for the app were far from what I expected. I downloaded Hinge on 19 September and immediately, I was asked to create a profile. I took my time filling it out carefully and thoughtfully trying to make it appealing and interesting. In total, it took me over 40 minutes just to set up my profile, which I thought would work for my dating goals.
I was eager to start scrolling and try to find people that I might find interesting. Most people that showed up on my feed had put minimal effort into their profiles. Most profiles had the same prompts used with the same responses, similar poses and setups for pictures.
