The birth of online dating has drastically changed the dating scene over the past decades.
For some University of Memphis students, dating apps minimize the amount of tension and anxiousness they may have on a first date.
“I like Tinder because it takes away the awkwardness of meeting new people,†said Eric Langley, a junior at the UofM. “Meeting someone online before meeting them in person can help take away the anxiety of that interaction. The millennial generation is more comfortable with the idea of talking to someone online, but the negative side of that is that it may be harder for people to connect by meeting someone online.â€
According to a study on eHarmony, 40 percent of Americans use dating websites, and of those who are currently in committed relationships, 20 percent of them began online.
On the other hand, other students say dating apps can make it difficult to create a relationship with someone.Â
“I think it can be harder for some people to connect without meeting face to face,†said Claire Hall, a 19-year-old sophomore.
“I’ve only used Tinder but I didn’t like it at all. I’ve only went on three dates and it got to the point, where I just used it to interact with students on campus. I stopped using it to date and changed my bio to, ‘Just here for friends.’”
- Ryann Mazur, junior
“I personally don’t use dating apps, but the people who do use them I don’t judge them.”
- Myles McClinton, sophomore
“When you’re not really looking for something and you’re bored and want to flirt a little they are good, but I don’t think they are ideal when you’re looking for long term.”
- Shira Grant, junior
“I personally don’t like them. I’m more traditional. I feel like the face-to-face is more important, and when you’re on the app it takes that away, and you only show the positive side to yourself. I also feel like if you do make a connection it seems like it falls flat after a while. I don’t recommend it.”
- Haba Saleh, freshman
“I like them, but they just don’t work for me. I can’t find love on them but they are a good idea.”
- Madisyn Washington, sophomore
