Duel of the Dating Apps: Hinge vs. Tinder

HINGE:

As digital natives, sometimes it seems like dating apps can be the only option to find true love — replacing traditional methods like meeting a special someone in class or on a night out. 

With the plethora of different dating apps out there — some even targeting specific audiences, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community or farmers — one stands out among the rest. 

Hinge. 

Hinge is the most viable dating app option because of its in-depth profiles and the ability to see who likes you — which is one of the app’s biggest pulls.

Users can scroll through the different elements of a profile, allowing them to like specific pictures or prompts — a key distinction from Tinder’s redundant tapping and swiping. Also included are various prompts and even voice memos that help illuminate a potential match’s personality before sending a like. 

Tinder’s setup, on the other hand, is just a few pictures and optional personal questions, including options to highlight your music taste or lie about your height. 

The option to see who has liked your profile makes the process of choosing who to interact with easier and less stressful than Tinder where you have to randomly guess if someone has liked your profile. 

It’s also much easier to get catfished on Tinder than on Hinge. HInge profiles are more comprehensive — users can’t just use memes or black screens as photos, like they can on Tinder. Hinge profiles require three prompts and six pictures, ensuring all users have to put in the work. 

When I used dating apps, I always preferred Hinge for the experience of going through profiles alone. 

While I’ve gone on some rough Hinge dates — one particularly awful experience included watching the entire “The Godfather” trilogy — none compare to the horrors I’ve experienced on Tinder. In the college world, it seems Hinge is the more relationship-focused app, while Tinder is used for quick hookups — and less connection. 

Hinge claims to be “the dating app designed to be deleted.” In my experience, this holds true. 

I met my boyfriend on Hinge in August, so I might be a little biased, but I wouldn’t be in this relationship without it — and our relationship is just one of the many I’ve heard of starting from Hinge. Rarely, if ever, do I hear about a relationship forming from Tinder. 

On Hinge, it’s easier to form connections and is meant to be a temporary app on your phone. If you’re looking for a relationship on a dating app, Hinge is the way to go. 

TINDER:

It all started with a swipe, 13 long years ago.

Two entrepreneurs were playing with a deck of cards when they discovered an app interface so eagerly received by eligible singles it set a new precedent for the online dating industry and even created a new form of addiction.

Tinder, at its core, is essentially a form of social media. It’s struck a chord with a crowd largely aged 18-24 and has dominated the online dating discussion ever since. 

After all, @lucchicks calls its screenshot roundup “Tinder Tuesdays,” not “The Hinge Hour,” right?

Tinder has seemingly gained a reputation for awful frat bro messages, catfishing and hookups, but that’s just a symptom of the industry giant’s massive user base, and it shouldn’t hinder what could be a new experience.

With Tinder’s “Tinder U” feature, students across campuses — especially in a massive city like Chicago — can form quicker connections with other verified students who aren’t at Loyola.

Tinder’s set-up is quick and efficient, and it begins by having you plug in at least four pictures or videos, which can also be prioritized in a “smart photo” method with Tinder’s algorithm for better results.

Changes can be made quickly if you feel you need to amend your “interests” or “basics.” Additional variety can be added with prompts, your top Spotify artists — Tyler the Creator somehow always pops up — and an “anthem” to boot.

The act of swiping is often regarded as low-commitment — but that’s the key. Connections in life are built on first impressions. Both Tinder and Hinge use pictures, but Hinge’s mandatory prompts don’t always add value to a profile, and they can be limited to one word, basic responses.

The opportunity to view new potential matches is around 25 to 50 swipes every 12 hours — as opposed to Hinge’s maximum of eight like a day.

Despite Tinder’s continued advertisements for its subscription tiers, people who’ve liked you can be seen by name and a blurred picture in the messages page, giving you something to keep an eye on.

For new students, Tinder can also expand casual connections for those not insistent on finding a romantic fling. Several of my longest Loyola friendships were initially sparked over silly conversations on Tinder.

With its more in-depth profiles, Hinge is a full step toward finding lasting romance. Since the app is “designed to be deleted,” it often seems to try to extend that process for as long as possible.

Dating apps are another way for us to express ourselves to others in the internet landscape. Tinder offers a slow step in that direction — but one that only takes a swipe.