The rise of dating apps like Tinder have led to a discussion that feels like it happens every time there’s a technological advancement. Many people worry when a technological advancement happens, fretting that it will leave the previous way of life in the dust. In this situation, many people have worried that Tinder will replace singles’ bars, effectively making it no longer necessary for people to meet new partners in person. Is that a genuine concern? Here’s a bit of context behind the seeming fight between dating apps and singles’ bars.
Tinder’s Blossoming Popularity
It’s true that Tinder has become more and more popular over the years. In 2020, Tinder had a direct revenue of a whopping 1.4 billion dollars, making it certainly one of the most prominent dating apps out there. And, of course, if you go out to a bar on any given night, you’re likely to see a number of people swiping on their phone.
The userbase of Tinder also fluctuates regularly; if you’re looking for a permanent relationship, Tinder knows that the eventual goal is for you to drop the app entirely. New people hop on and off Tinder on a regular basis, which means there’s always someone new for you to potentially meet up with. You can also match with multiple people before finding someone you actually want to meet in person.
The Benefits of a Singles Bar
Of course, just because Tinder is becoming more popular, that doesn’t mean singles’ bars are going away. Some bartenders have actually seen a rise in business due to Tinder. After all, you need a place to meet up with that super-hot date you matched up with on Tinder, and where better to go than your local bar?
Additionally, many people still enjoy the experience of meeting people more “naturally” through the bar scene. A dating app doesn’t offer exactly the same experience as meeting up in person, and many people are more awkward and difficult to talk to on dating apps. At a singles’ bar, you’re more likely to get a glimpse into how someone really acts.
Issues With Dating in General
There are always going to be some problems that come along with dating whether you do it on an app or in person. For example, many women indicate that the men they’re interested in rarely approach them; instead, they tend to be older men they aren’t really interested in dating or hooking up with. This is a common problem both on Tinder and in bars.
Additionally, while some people have cursed Tinder for turning dating into hookup culture, this might just be a difference with different people rather than anything to do with Tinder itself. Hookups have existed for hundreds of years, long before Tinder got its start, and they’re definitely not as easy as some people make them seem. Whether you use Tinder or you’re only dating offline, your choice of sexual openness should be the most important element.
How to Hook Up Safely Either Way
Whether you’re swiping on Tinder or you’re finding someone in a crowded bar, hooking up and dating safely is of the utmost importance. Here are some important concepts to keep in mind if you’re meeting up with a date for the first time, regardless of where you met them:
- Meet in a public location the first time so you have witnesses around you.
- Don’t give out your address before getting to know the other person a little bit.
- Make sure someone knows where you are and when you’ll be home, so they know to be suspicious if they haven’t heard from you.
On the other hand, there will always be people who want to hook up for sex rather than a long-term relationship. If this is something you’re interested in, HUSTLER® Hollywood fully supports your choice. Here are some things to remember about hookups.
- Always ask for an STI test or use condoms; don’t just accept their word that they don’t have any STIs.
- Use disposable sex toys instead of reusable ones so you can discard them as soon as you’re done.
- Know you’re always free to say no, regardless of what you’ve already said yes to.
Conclusion
The truth of the matter is that Tinder and singles’ bars can coexist, and they probably always will. No matter how you’re meeting people or what you’re doing together, HUSTLER® Hollywood wants to make it easier for you to do so. Feel empowered to make your own choices with the products at HUSTLER® Hollywood.