As the world becomes more and more digitized, so does our dating culture. Meeting someone in a coffee shop or bar and hitting it off, is nos slowly giving away to many people meeting “their person” online. More and more people are turning to dating apps to find their next love interest. Here are the most popular apps to try and my raw opinion about each one.

1. Tinder

Arguably the most well-known dating app, Tinder has made swiping left or right a cultural phenomenon. With its simple interface and wide user base, it’s no wonder that millions of people worldwide use it to find dates and make connections.

My raw opinion: It’s pretty much a hook-up site, however, I have heard of people meeting a match that eventually led to marriage. My ex-husband leaped at the chance to get on the app when we were breaking up. Joining even before he moved out. He also put up an old photo from before the marriage 10 years ago. I’m positive he is not in the minority of users who use old photos as click bait to attract potential partners.

2. Bumble

This app has a similar format to Tinder, but with one key difference: women must make the first move. This puts more power in the hands of women and allows them to control the pace and direction of the conversation.

3. Hinge

Hinge aims to be a more thoughtful and relationship-oriented dating app, using a series of prompts to encourage users to showcase their personalities and interests. With a focus on matching people who have mutual friends or interests, Hinge has become a popular choice for those looking for more meaningful connections.

4. OkCupid

One of the older dating apps, OkCupid has a loyal following thanks to its extensive profiles and in-depth questionnaires. With a focus on personality and compatibility, it’s a good choice for those who are serious about finding a long-term partner.

5. The League

The League is marketed as a high-end dating platform, catering to ambitious professionals who are looking for partners who are just as driven as they are.

The League takes a unique approach to the matching process, allowing users to set a variety of preferences when it comes to potential matches. Users can specify their preferred education level, career field, and even ethnicity. This helps to narrow down the pool of potential matches and ensure that users are connected with people who are truly compatible with them.

Alternatives to Dating Apps

My dating app experiences ultimately led me to get off the apps and prioritize meeting men in person. If you are like me, and not a fan of dating apps, you’re not alone.

Here are a few alternatives to consider:

1. Attend social events: One of the best ways to meet new people is to attend social events in your area. Whether it’s a concert, a sports game, or a party, these events are a great way to mingle with new people and potentially meet someone special.

2. Try speed dating: If you’re looking for a more structured way to meet new people, consider attending a speed dating event. These events typically involve a series of short dates with different people, allowing you to get to know them quickly and decide if there’s a connection. Meetup is a great site to find these events.

3. Ask friends for introductions: Your friends know you better than anyone, so don’t be afraid to ask them if they know anyone who might be a good match for you. They might be able to set you up with someone who shares your interests and values.

4. Take up a new hobby: Joining a club or taking up a new hobby is a great way to meet people who share your interests. Whether it’s joining a book club, taking a cooking class, or volunteering, these activities allow you to connect with others in a meaningful way.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to meet someone. Whether you choose to use dating apps or prefer to meet people in person, the most important thing is to be open and willing to put yourself out there.