Tinder is a dating app that matches users to others based on geographic proximity. They can also see age, and if they have any Facebook connections in common. The Tinder app is built around the idea of the double opt-in — taking out the element of embarrassment and unwanted attention. You can only talk to someone if you both like each other.

IAC is also responsible for dating sites Match. The free-to-use app introduced a premium subscription model in with added features Tinder Plus , and a third level in Tinder Gold.

A national survey by Pew Research Center, conducted June July 12, , 12% of American adults have ever used an online dating site, up tried online dating offer mixed opinions about the experience – most have a.

Internet dating has certainly taken a new technological turn and is migrating from desktop to smartphone. They exploit the location tracking, the frictionless snap-and-send of smartphone photography and the always-on bantering of messaging software to create a less formal experience than web-based sites. Ease of use, slick design — often more like a game than just a useful tool — these apps provide not just a connective launch pad but a source of entertainment for their users.

And unlike dating sites, most of these apps are free though how their business models work is still rather vague. These apps are obviously popular: based on the number of users logging in and swiping their evenings away Tinder alone has reported 75 million matches but I have to wonder, is app dating becoming more of a game in itself, desensitising us from the real experience, or is it the key to successfully finding a match?

Log in via Facebook, select a few pictures — adding a line or two of description of yourself is optional. You can start swiping yay or nay to what appears to be a never-ending supply of possible matches generated by your GPS position and age preferences. Works best in cities where there are more users. Following the success of Tinder, a tiny ecosystem of apps has grown up to allow men, at least, to game the app. The popularity of this app and similar apps may make Tinder a more irritating experience for female daters, so they may not be around for long.