There have been a lot of dating apps and websites, all the way back to kiss.com in 1994. That’s right, online dating is as old as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. I’ll give you a moment to place your mind gently back into your head. But using the internet as a way to explore the dating scene didn’t really take off until the smart phone era. When Tinder launched in 2012, it quickly became so popular that the terms “swipe right” and “swipe left” just entered the lexicon as new slang for “something I like” and “something I don’t like.” Pretty rare that an app leaves a mark that big on the English language itself.
Tinder is so ubiquitous that, below a certain age, nearly everyone has a story about using it. Often times the funnier or more disastrous interactions get captured in screenshots and shared around the web. Here are just a few examples of some classics:
15. So sad
A moment of silence for everyone who shares a name with a digital assistant.
14. Boom or bust
OK but why is the picture all crooked?
13. Diet nope
I hurt myself today, to see if I still taste…
12. Verbal contract
This guy must be a lawyer.
11. RIP RP
Look, you’re “yes, and”-ing, and that’s what matters.
10. Secret code
I give your C++ an A-.
9. Warning signs
This is some old school Dating Game malarkey.
8. Darth Dater
The heavy breathing starts early with this guy.
7. When you’re the best of friends
The game is over before it’s begun.
6. Know your worth
Is the chip bag mostly air, though?
5. Espionage
This has more twists than a Shyamalan plot.
4. I feel pretty
Wow, double “y” on the “Heyy” and everything. This is going well.
3. Soccer? I hardly know her!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!
2. A fine addition to my collection
Prequel memes as a litmus test is a bold move, friend.
1. Numerical evasion
I think you’ve met your match.
If you’re out there using Tinder, remember: stay safe, be nice, and post the funny stuff for the benefit of those of us who are tired of trying to do it ourselves. Good luck out there!
What’s your big Tinder story/moment?
Tell us about it in the comments.