BHUBANESWAR: Dating apps are largely looked down upon in our society. It is usually seen as a medium for hook ups, casual relationships and spicing up one’s love life. An important part of dating is communicating. We communicate by sharing our thoughts, ideas and feelings. Apps like Tinder and Hinge seem to provide that mode of communication according to the user’s convenience. However, are dating apps useful only for hook ups?
People have had varied experiences of using dating apps. While a majority of users explored dating options in the app, some use it for a different purpose. Due to the competitive nature of the world we live in, one needs to build a wide professional network in order to be successful. Dating apps can go a long way in augmenting these networks, said denizens. Be it for increasing one’s knowledge base or followers of Instagram, being popular on a dating app can do wonders in this regard. Some even find their spouse online.
As with everything these days, dating apps have their cons too. Numerous people have been duped through online shams using this platform. Not finding an ideal match online can have negative impact on the emotional well-being of a person as he/she may get frustrated and waste a lot of time in these apps. However, a majority of the denizens in the Capital reportedly used such apps constructively. Orissa Post interacted with youngsters of the capital to delve deeper into the subject.
Pushpam Singh, an entrepreneur, said, “My start-up sells dentistry products. I use dating apps to enhance my professional network. Hooking up with potential customers helps me to strengthen my networks and makes my work a lot easier. These apps help me to meet people with various backgrounds. This is helpful in promotion of my business. Some help me to procure new products according to markets needs. I met a journalist friend in this way who helps me in writing articles for some of my new initiatives.”
Shefali Sharma, an IT professional and part-time business woman, said, “We can gain a lot from dating apps if these are used in the right way. It is a great tool to increase your knowledge in varied fields and sectors. This is because you can meet different kinds of people who are in various professions. Sharing of life experiences with such people can augment one’s personality.”
However, some have a rather negative conception of these platforms. “These apps are the latest in the long list of mediums in the internet for passing one’s leisure time. Meaningful relationships can rarely be found on such apps. It can be an entertaining source for fickle-minded people. According to me, indulging in such apps is a sheer waste of time,” said Neha Singh.
Judging by the opinions of several youngsters in the city, it is quite clear that dating apps like OkCupid and Zoosk can be used constructively to enhance one’s knowledge base, professional network besides finding true love. Hence, the next time you’re swiping left right and centre on Tinder, remember that you might stumble upon something beyond love.
Nidhi Sinha, OP
