Love can be hard to find, but do dating apps make finding that special someone easier? There are many apps out there, Bumble, Tinder and Hinge just to name a few. But where do Brookdale students find love? And, overall what are their dating app experiences?
Jake Vetrini, a 20-year-old video production from Old Bridge, met his boyfriend using Tinder. “I used dating apps briefly and found my boyfriend through Tinder, and we’ve been dating ever since.”
Tinder also came through for Alexis Castro, a 21-year-old fashion major from Howell, who met her boyfriend on Tinder. They’ve been dating for three years.
But not everyone’s experience with dating apps is a success story.
Amy Rodriguez from Tinton Falls reminds students that there are people behind the screens and accidentally encountering them can be uncomfortable. “I ran into somebody I talked to only on Tinder at Brookdale, and it was awkward.”
Andre Costapacheco, an 18-year-old architecture student from Peru, advises discretion when using dating apps. “I have had mixed experiences from dating apps. The experiences can range from finding some really great friends to being in creepy situations where I’m fearing for my safety, if anything use your discretion when you use them.”
Then, there’s the frustation of being ghosted.
“I haven’t had the best experiences with dating apps. I’ve never met anyone from them, especially with Bumble. No one ever replies,” said Matthew Payne, an undecided major. “Hinge is a little better. You actually get responses.”
“I don’t use dating apps, but I find people through church, the gym, college, and through friends,” said John Gurdy Paul, a 25-year-old automotive engineering major from Haiti.
“I found my boyfriend through mutual friends, we started talking through Snapchat and hit it off,” said 19-year-old environmental science major Sam Bennette.
Regardless of how you meet someone. Remember to always consider your personal safety. If you are meeting someone for the first time, meet in a public place and always let someone else know where you are and who you will be with.