With modern technology has taken its course into finding your ultimate soulmate, many people are seeking that solution to fill their past time or even find a companion to chat with. If you are an avid social media user, you should be aware of the popular dating websites and applications.
The world is evolving as technology starts picking its feet up towards a whole new development. People are always finding and creating a new app for everything. Application for transportation, getting groceries done, shopping, editing picture apps, communication apps, social media platform and many more. Nowadays, one of the most prominent apps is dating apps. Long gone are the days of the old-fashioned way of meeting offline at work or with a little help from your friends or grandmother. There’s a new cupid in town for all the single, love-seeking people out there. The options are endless that are available to singles dating in the digital age.
Over the last five years, people have been meeting through a famous dating site called Tinder. It’s amazing how quickly we’ve adapted to swiping through thousands of potential partners and hoping to meet their Prince Charming or a fairy tale story like Kate Middleton and Prince William. It’ll show people that are nearby to you and likely you can start talking to them if they swipe right to you. Every year, more and more developers are releasing different kinds of dating applications, in order to cater to the needs of the masses.There are now more options such as Bumble, OKCupid, Match.com, Grindr, Coffee Meets Bagel and many more.
When it comes to the pros of using a dating app, you have options. You literally have billions of options on a global scale. Even if you were the pickiest person on Earth, there is still a chance that you could find that perfect person in the sea of online daters. A dating app even gives you the option of communicating to people in a different way. Instead of meeting someone face to face, you have to cram all the information you need fast to talk to them. However, via online, when you start talking to a prospective partner online, you can’t help but engage in longer conversations that you can take your own sweet time in. That’s the beauty of technology – you don’t need to wait for an immediate reaction.
With pros, there’s always a downside to using a dating site. You’ll bound to meet perverts and stalkers. You’ve got paedophiles, flashers, racist sex deviants and many more. That list alone is enough to make you think twice about trying online dating. Besides that, you can find numerous amount of (excuse my language) a**holes, that will make it a point to be cyber-bully. Some will ridicule your appearance, personality, profession, race, lifestyle, etc. Some will even use your picture on various websites for purposes that you would never approve of. It’s always good to really get to know the person and of course, no regrets at the end of the day. You can study other people’s profiles and see what catches your eye. You never know. The love of your life might just be a click or tap away.
Dating Apps vs Traditional Way of Meeting
There have been much objection and agreements when it comes to people’s opinion on using dating apps and the old-fashioned way of finding love. We’ve compiled a list of interviews with people from different walks of life who have used dating apps.
Alston Cheng Yuen, Barista
Alston or known as CY by his friends, has been using dating app since he was from the age of 18 until the age of 21 years old. Today, 23, he shares with us a funny story that happened to him back when he was still using a dating site.
Describe to me the first time you met your match in real life?
I was pretty excited because I can get to know this person in real life. However, as I got to the location where we were supposed to meet, I got a glance of that person I spoke with online and I was shocked. The person looked so different in person than from their bio image. What I did next was, I pretended to not look and walk away! HAHAHA I know it’s bad of my part but I panicked.
Would you ever go back to trying conventional methods?
I choose to be neutral towards anything. As long as the person catches my eyes and we are happy.
Describe your experience of using a dating app in three words.
Adventurous, Fun, Exciting.
Matthew Pereira, Administrator in Asian Football Confederation
Being a person that doesn’t often uses a dating app, he is sure to really swipe through the right person. Matthew, 24, shares about his views on how dating apps has changed relationships nowadays too.
Do you think dating apps nowadays has lost its touch with the value of a relationship? Why?
Yes, and No. Yes, because many people use apps like tinder for “friends with benefits”. They make it as a “one night stand” app. No, because there are some people (like me), who use apps like this as a way to make new friends and you see where it takes you.
Were you sceptical at first using the site? Why?
Yes I was. Not only can guys be creeps. You’ll never know who you match with or who you’ll end up speaking to. Might have lots of differences.
In your opinion, do you find dating apps to be easier at finding a partner compared to meeting someone in real life?
No. I was lucky but you don’t always find someone on dating apps who suits your personality. Finding someone in real life means you’re attracted to them directly and not just by pictures or bios.
Siti Nur Affni, Lecturer in SEGI College
Being a hardworking lecturer in the American Degree Program for years now, she often find it hard to go out and meet new people, however with the instant dating apps, things are efficient for her without sacrificing her social life.
Are you currently using any dating apps?
Yes I am like qiran.com and match.com.
Have you ever met the person you chatted online with?
Never had a chance to meet but I’ve talked with them through video calls on Whatsapp, Facebook, Imo and others. Most of them were staying outside of Malaysia so it is kind of hard to meet face to face.
Would you recommend your friends to try dating apps? Why?
I would not 100% recommend it but if u want to experience something exciting but at the same time really tiring, why not? Go ahead and try it. You will learn a lot of useful things in dealing with human beings in general.
In your opinion, do you find dating apps to be easier at finding a partner compared to meeting someone in real life?
Not that easy but using a dating app/social media do fast forward few things and phase in a starting a relationship like the introduction part and getting to know each other.
Charleen Suzanne John, Singer and Piano Teacher
Although currently, she isn’t using any dating apps anymore, she was using it for 2 years on and off. She believes that dating apps can be a gateway to searching new friendships and possible love life if you swipe responsibly, of course!
Have you ever met the person you chatted online with?
There were a few people I met. We’d usually go out for drinks, sit and have a chat.
Do you think dating apps nowadays has lost its touch with the value of a relationship? Why?
You’d be surprised. I think when I first started out, it was more of a hit-and-run kind of app. Currently, I think that it might just be the opposite. I know a good number of people who’ve met their current partner from a dating app.
Would you recommend your friends to try dating apps? Why?
Yes, because even though you don’t meet a partner through it, you’d still have some friends.
Describe your experience of using a dating app in three words.
Nothing to lose.
Manrupi Kaur, Immigrant Officer
Manrupi or Rupi, met her current partner eight years ago on Facebook and has no regrets ever since. She also believes to not fully be deceived by what is being seen on any social media or dating app. Here’s what she has to say.
Were you sceptical at first using the site? Why?
Yes I was but after meeting the person a few time, it seems to connect all of us to each other and it builds the bond between me and my partner now stronger.
Do you think dating apps nowadays has lost its touch with the value of a relationship? Why?
Yes, there is so many fake relationships and some want it for the sake of the attention. There are too many dangerous stranger who might have devious plans.
Would you recommend your friends to try dating apps? Why?
Yes, but one must be fully aware of that person’s background.
Anand Vedtha, IT Support Desktop Engineer
A curious person at heart, he always wants to know how dating apps work. Although currently, he doesn’t own any dating site accounts, he would regard his 2 months of using the app experience as no regrets.
Share your experience the first time you met with the person you spoke online?
We met in a bar in Bukit Bintang and she was a Caucasian woman. I learn that she was here in Malaysia for a community service to help the Orang Asli children. After knowing her, I felt like we were close friends as our conversation went on and on.
Do you think dating apps nowadays has lost its touch with the value of a relationship? Why?
Yes, I agree. First, there’s no real connection when you meet someone online. Most of them date for the sake of dating and they lost the understanding of love and how to love someone. While most of them use the app to switch multiple partners for intercourse. Hence, the meaning behind dating apps slowly depletes.
Would you recommend your friends to try dating apps? Why?
Maybe I would as some of them really look for a good friendship. They get to connect interesting people that you never thought you will encounter.
Mahen Eliyathamby, IT Executive
Mahen is no stranger to the dating app back then when he was still available on the market. Now, he is a happily man attached to a girl he’s surprisingly met in real life and not on a dating site. He shares his experience and views.
Have you ever met the person you chatted online with?
Met quite a number of them. First time I met someone I was quite nervous. Most of my experiences were interesting indeed. Got to know the other person much better.
Do you think dating apps nowadays has lost its touch with the value of a relationship? Why?
Yes. Dating apps nowadays are just for hooking up. People just use it for a quick way to get laid. No longer something where you can socialize.
In your opinion, do you find dating apps to be easier at finding a partner compared to meeting someone in real life?
It depends really, dating apps can be more convenient and easy. Well, who can really say since I met mine in real life.
Will you ever go back to using conventional methods?
Nope, since I already have one *smiles widely*
Leonard Sinclair, DJ/Emcee
With a career that involves a lot of socializing and meeting new people, he somehow wants to experience this whole new technology of networking through a dating site. Today, he swiped right to a lovely girl that he calls his girlfriend.
How long have you been using a dating app?
All in all about 5 months
Were you sceptical at first using the site? Why?
Not really. I was on the app merely to meet new people besides my circle of friends.
Do you think dating apps nowadays has lost its touch with the value of a relationship? Why?
No. I believe how you met a person doesn’t really dictate how much the value of your own relationship. It’s how you nurture and care for the person that shows the value of it.
Describe your experience of using a dating app in three words.
Chilled. Judged. Solitude.
Will you ever go back to using conventional methods?
Vishahan Sivalingam, Research and Development Chemist
He is not the biggest fan of using a dating app but he is open to the idea of meeting new people as he’s used this before. Being an outgoing person that he is, his positive spirit never dies and always is looking forward to more exciting things in his life.
Describe your experience of using a dating app in three words.
Hate small talks
Do you think dating apps nowadays has lost its touch with the value of a relationship? Why?
Yes, it has. You wouldn’t know the feeling of liking that person unless you’ve known them and met them in person. Some people are using the app for wrong reasons, which makes it difficult for others to trust someone from Tinder.
Would you recommend your friends to try dating apps? Why?
No, I wouldn’t because it’s just boring AF.
Arthur Mitchell, Copywriter
Arthur initially wasn’t very keen with the idea of using a dating app as he doesn’t want people to think he is desperate. As time goes by, he realized after installing Tinder, he wouldn’t have dreamed of how his 2017 was going to be an interesting one for him.
Are you currently using any dating apps?
At the moment no, as I am already in a relationship, but I used to use Tinder for about a year plus.
Did you meet your current partner through a dating site?
No, but I did come across her picture on Tinder. We both swiped right on each other but at that time, neither one of us were brave enough to confess our feelings for each other.
How has relationship and dating apps affected one another?
Some people are pressured to be in a relationship for the wrong reason and it can be due to the fact from the existence of social media platform where we are able to see the good part of other people’s love life and our expectations tends to change. Dating apps are just there to make it easier for us to meet new people.
In your opinion, do you find dating apps to be easier at finding a partner compared to meeting someone in real life?
Yes. This is because you are able to meet people outside of your usual circle. So you get to expand your horizons and meet people whom you might never have the chance to meet. And who knows, they might turn out to be the one for you.
Estee Wong, Relationship Manager
Being a person who abides with the traditional way of finding love, she decided to follow her friend’s advice to download Tinder and the rest is history. Here’s what she has to say.
Were you sceptical at first using the site? Why?
I was! I was against dating apps at first because I felt that meeting the right person or falling in love should be something special but not through an app. However, my friends are very convincing so that’s how I ended up downloading it.
In your opinion, do you find dating apps to be easier at finding a partner compared to meeting someone in real life?
Yes, the chances of you finding or meeting a partner through an app might be higher than in real life.
Will you ever go back to using conventional methods?
I would, in a heartbeat as I’m still the old-fashioned person when it comes to love.
Would you recommend your friends to try dating apps? Why?
I would. My friends convinced me to use a dating app because I was having a hard time moving on and they told me to just put myself out there and meet more new people. It actually helped my moving on process a little easier. So to anyone facing the same problem, you can try it through dating apps!
Vinesh Nakarajah, Sales and Marketing Executive
Vinesh not only got lucky with meeting his partner using a dating app for the first time, he eventually fell in love and now they’re a happy newly married couple since September 2017!
How long have you been using a dating app?
About 6 months back in 2016.
Were you sceptical at first using the site? Why?
Yes I was because I wanted to reach out to people who have the same intention as me, and my intention was to make friends or meet someone that I can build a relationship with and not negative intentions.
Do you think dating apps nowadays has lost its touch with the value of a relationship? Why?
Yes, because the current generation in our era are misusing it for their sexual desires.
Describe your experience of using a dating app in three words.
Just be adventurous!
There’s just the opinions of one of the many users of a dating app. What are your thoughts about it?
Here in 2CENTS, we would love to extend to everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day!