Tinder a social networking and dating app which allows users to browse through a collection of other users in their area. In practice, Tinder is generally used as a dating platform. However, as the site has become more popular, the app is now used for a variety of different things.
When creating a Tinder account, users are asked to either log in using their Facebook account or a phone number. By doing so with your Facebook account, you’re allowing Tinder access to information stored on your profile such as your date of birth, name and photos you have uploaded. This is to make the signing up process quicker by adding information you would otherwise have to fill in manually. Alternatively, you can sign up using the instructions to use your phone number with the new account.
Once users have created their account, they can edit any information on their profile by changing or adding photos, changing their ‘Bio’ (a short description written by yourself about your likes and interests) and adding an ‘Anthem’ (a song you’ve chosen that is your favorite or you feel represents you.) By default, profiles display your first name, age and distance away from the person viewing your profile. It is also optional to import your interests from Facebook so they can also be viewed.
When you are browsing through other users on Tinder, you can adjust your preferences to filter results. You can choose to search for men, women or both genders as well as setting upper and lower age brackets and adjusting your radius so you only ‘Match’ with people within the chosen radius from your location.
As each profile is displayed, you can either ‘Like’ the profile by selecting the heart icon or physically swiping right. You can also ‘Pass’ on a profile by selecting the ‘x’ symbol or physically swiping left. If you choose to like another person, you will show up in their results, however they will not know whether you have actually liked them until they swipe on you. If you choose to pass on the user by swiping left, you will not be matched with them, even if they have liked you. If you and another user have liked one another, a notification will appear on your screen or within the app making you aware that you are now able to talk using the chatting function within the app.
Tinder is an app, downloadable on iOS and Android devices as well as a website, accessible through the use of a web browser.
Users of Tinder have to be at least 18 years of age but it is not uncommon for younger users to create profiles.
Although you are unable to block users within Tinder, you are able to ‘Unmatch’ account holders. When you unmatch someone, they will be unable to contact you or see your profile unless you match again in the future.