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Tinder has changed the online dating game. But even as one of the most popular dating apps, there are some mistakes that way too many users make.
From using fake names to falling for fake profiles, here are some common Tinder mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
What Is Tinder and How Do I Use It?
Tinder is a dating app that lets you swipe through people's profiles in an effort to find a potential romantic partner.
You are presented with potential matches based on your distance preferences, with the option to either Like a profile to hopefully match with it or choosing Nope to decline a potential match. Liking a profile is also referred to as "swiping right", while "swiping left" means you don't want to match up with the profile.
If you and someone else on Tinder both swipe right on each other, the app notifies you both that you're a match. This allows you to contact each other using the app's messaging platform.
On the surface, Tinder might appear to be a bit shallow. The app's primary focus is aimed at featuring profile images to swipe through. Only a few details are visible at first glance. Luckily, you are able to find out more by looking at the user's bio.
To use Tinder, you simply need to download the app on iOS or Android and set up a profile. Since 2018, users have also been able to use the app on their PC's internet browser by visiting the Tinder website.
Now that you know how Tinder works, you're probably ready to get started. However, you should make sure to avoid these common Tinder mistakes...
1. Sharing Too Much Personal Information on Tinder
While Tinder no longer shows mutual Facebook friends, there are still other profiles that can be linked to the dating app. For example, you are able to link your Instagram account and Spotify playlists.
However, if you're not careful about what you link, you could share too much personally identifiable information with strangers. Reverse image searches, location tags, and other common tools can be used to identify you.
While you should include some information about yourself (or risk being considered a bot), you should also make sure to protect your privacy on Tinder. Don't share your home address, your work address, or other private information with matches.
2. Lying on Your Tinder Profile
While you should keep some details on Tinder private, this doesn't mean you should lie on your profile. You may be asking yourself: "Should I use my real name on Tinder?".
Our answer would be yes, since using a fake name may create an impression of attempted catfishing or impersonation. It starts the match off on the wrong foot.
So make sure to use your real name on Tinder, or at least your nickname. A match will become suspicious if they find out you're using a fake name on the app. After all, it's something that scammers or cheaters tend to do.
In general, if you want to have a pleasant experience on Tinder, don't lie about yourself.
Be clear with what you're looking for from the experience. This will enable you to find people with similar goals, such as those seeking a potential long-term partner.
Don't use heavily edited images that don't look at all like you. Also, avoid old images that no longer reflect how you look. This causes more problems than it's worth.
3. Not Checking Your Tinder Match's Actual Age
Tinder is limited to users who are 18 years of age or older. While the app tries to prevent underage users from accessing the service, this isn't always possible.
Furthermore, people are able to hide their age on Tinder. There are also users who don't put their real age on the app. Some users go so far as to list their age as over 100 years old.
When setting up a date, you should make sure to check your Tinder match's actual age.
4. Choosing the Wrong Tinder Profile Picture
Many users swipe pretty quickly on Tinder. They won't necessarily take the time to look at multiple photos and your bio unless your first picture makes an impression. Therefore, you need to make sure that the first photo on your profile is your best.
You should also make sure it only features you rather than a group of friends. Group photos make it unclear who the actual profile belongs to and requires people to view all your photos—something that is more of a deterrent rather than an incentive.
A few other primary profile picture mistakes you should avoid are:
- Photos where your face is obscured by sunglasses or hats.
- Photos taken from far away (making you difficult to see).
- Photos that don't have you in it, such as memes or pictures of animals.
- Photos where you're not smiling.
Tinder's official FAQ gives this advice for your profile picture:
Ditch your friends because this isn’t about them and remove the sunglasses because they hide your face. The best pics are in focus and some say a smile goes a long way here.
You can include these types of images elsewhere in your profile, but if you include them as your primary image, you're less likely to attract matches. Tinder's own statistics show that certain types of photos reduce the number of right-swipes that users get.
5. Not Checking Bios
If you're looking for more than just a casual hookup on Tinder, you should take the time to check bios before swiping. Every once in a while, you might find someone who has written something clever on their profile or who has selected genuinely interesting photos.
So don't miss out. It's really easy to focus just on appearances. But if you want more meaningful connections, take some time and get to know the person behind the photo. It's easy for profiles to come across as generic, so if something stands out to you, take a chance with a right-swipe.
6. Not Adding Your Interests or Preferences
2 Images
While you add your interests when you create your Tinder profile, there are other details you can add to your bio and preferences.
Tinder sets a default age range and distance when you create your profile. This can result in suggestions for potential matches you're not interested in. You should adjust these parameters to your preferences.
Furthermore, you can update your interests after setting up your profile. You can also add details such as whether you own pets, whether you smoke, and more.
This information helps inform the Tinder algorithm, but also lets potential matches know a little more about your personality and lifestyle. And when it comes to Vibes and using the Tinder Explore feature, these details make sure your profile shows up in the right categories.
7. Having Unreasonable Expectations on Tinder
Using Tinder is definitely a great way to meet new people and potential romantic partners. But you will also need to manage your expectations.
Users on Tinder are there for a variety of reasons. This means that not all people you match with will be looking for the same thing as you. Surveys by Tinder show that most users are there to find love, but a significant number say that they're there for casual flings, to meet friends, or just validating their self-esteem.
While you may be there for love, you may very well end up matching with users looking for a fling or just a chat. It's going to take some time and effort to find people you like on the app, so make sure you're not expecting instant success and connections when you use the app for the first time.
8. Swiping Right Too Much or Too Little on Tinder
The way the Tinder algorithm works is not altogether clear. However, the company itself has confirmed that it prioritizes active users on the app. This doesn't mean swiping right on every single profile, however.
Anecdotal reports from Tinder users on Reddit claim that swiping right on too many profiles lowers your number of matches. However, Tinder has also recommended in the past that you should not limit likes to only one percent of the profiles you see.
Even if there's no penalty in the algorithm, swiping right on every profile can clearly reduce the quality of matches that Tinder is able to provide. After all, Tinder's algorithm is unable to learn your preferences if you don't seem to have any at all.
9. Falling for Fake Tinder Profiles
Tinder can be a great place to find a romantic partner, but it's not uncommon for users to stumble across fake profiles. Fake profiles are often used by bots and people running scams on Tinder.
Fake profiles usually have a few warning signs to look out for. These include very little to no information in the bio and pictures that look like stock images.
You can't always tell from the profile whether the user is fake, however. But if you receive links to alternative services and games, messages that seem automated and unrelated to context, or overly forward romantic messages, there's a good chance the profile is fake.
Make sure you're up-to-date with the warning signs of an online dating scammer. It's better to err on the side of caution when matching up with people on the app.
Get Matches on Tinder the Right Way
Tinder can be a great way to get back into the dating game and meet new people. But there are mistakes you should avoid so that you start your matches off on the right foot.
Hopefully these tips can help you on your Tinder dating journey.
FAQs
What should you avoid on Tinder? ›
Avoid sharing details such as your children's names, where they go to school, or their ages or genders. Keep conversations on the Tinder platform while you're getting to know someone.
Do and don'ts for Tinder? ›- Don't ask someone “Hey, what are you looking for?” Go ahead and note what kind of relationship you're looking for in your bio — experts usually recommend doing that — but avoid asking about specific character traits. ...
- Keep the conversation moving. ...
- Be consistent.
- Get on Tinder to Make Friends. ...
- Have Inanimate Objects in Your Profile Picture. ...
- Put No Solo Pictures of Yourself. ...
- Put Your BBM Pin/ Snapchat ID in Your Description. ...
- ***** Grammar. ...
- Tell Your Life Story Within the First Three Minutes of Conversation. ...
- Give One Word Responses.
We do not tolerate violent, graphic, or gory content on Tinder, or any actions or content that advocate for or threaten violence of any sort, including threatening or promoting terrorism. Physical assault, coercion, and any acts of violence are strictly prohibited.
What types of girls are on Tinder? ›...
The 10 girls you'll meet on Tinder
- The Girl with Commitment Issues. ...
- The Girl Not Looking for a Hookup. ...
- The Height-obsessed Girl. ...
- The Ghost. ...
- Xtreme Girl. ...
- The Tinder Bot. ...
- The Mute.
- Selfies. Do you have no friends to take pictures of you or with you? ...
- Pictures with babies. ...
- Pictures with hot girls. ...
- Pictures with girls full stop. ...
- Pictures at weddings. ...
- Pictures with celebrities. ...
- Messaging us just saying 'hi'. ...
- Group pictures.
“Culturally, Tinder is known as a hook up app and it's really just that, DO NOT EXPECT TO FIND LOVE.” Since its inception in 2012, Tinder has been known as a hookup app, but this may be changing. Like Bumble, some users have met spouses or long-term partners on the app, while others use it strictly for casual flings.
How long should you be on Tinder? ›Carbino said: "It would be better if you were spending a couple hours a week on a date, or two dates, or three dates, and trying to get to know people that you've matched with."
What are the best Tinder first messages? ›That first Tinder message can make or break an interaction. The most accessible place to start is simply asking a question or complimenting something about their profile photos or bio. Don't forget to mention things that are unique or similar to your interests and experiences.
What are red flags Tinder? ›Eager to move the conversation to another platform
If you've been talking to someone on Tinder for a brief period, and then they ask to move the conversation to another platform, this is a red flag. Commonly, culprits that ask this will suggest Snapchat, an image-sharing social media platform.
What is rule 1 and 2 on Tinder? ›
The unwritten “Rule #1” for Tinder is to be attractive… and “Rule #2” is to NOT be unattractive. What's more, being attractive doesn't just mean looking good – it also means living an attractive lifestyle, one that's interesting, exciting, and meaningful.
Do guys swipe on every girl on Tinder? ›New research shows that men tend to like most profiles on Tinder, while women only swipe right on the people they're actually attracted to. We asked men on the dating app why they'll swipe right for just about anyone.
What is the 3 month rule on Tinder? ›Tinder currently stores your user data for three months after you delete your account, which means that if you delete your account and wait three months, you should be able to get back on Tinder with all of your old Tinder account information.
How many lies do you get on Tinder? ›One study found that 80 percent of people lie in their profiles. Many falsehoods are mild, easy to see through within seconds of meeting someone in person and do little harm.
How do you not get Catfished on Tinder? ›- Do a background check. ...
- Know the signs of being catfished. ...
- Never share your personal information. ...
- Be suspicious of those you don't know. ...
- Ask questions that require specific knowledge. ...
- Use reverse image search to identify fake profile photos. ...
- Try to get them into a video call.
- Use a simple bio. A few words are fine - Words that display who you really are. ...
- Show your personality through pictures. ...
- Have good-quality photos. ...
- Avoid too many group photos. ...
- Smile. ...
- Highlight your best features. ...
- Get Feedback. ...
- Use a professional.
While women swipe more than men overall, they are far more selective when doing so. Women swipe yes to just one in 20 people while the majority of men swipe yes more often than no. Ultimately, most women only swipe yes on a handful of men per day while men are more freewheeling with their swipes.
Which gender uses Tinder the most? ›Tinder gender demographics
Tinder has a gender imbalance, with 75% of users identifying as male.
The average match rate for guys on Tinder is about 1 in 10. So, if a guy swipes right 100 times, he'd typically get 10 matches. However, this isn't just a matter of blindly swiping right - you also need to be selective and not too picky.
Are guys harder on Tinder? ›Do guys get less matches than girls on Tinder? Ultimately, most women only swipe yes on a handful of men per day while men are more freewheeling with their swipes. This creates a highly competitive environment where many men find it difficult to get matches consistently.
Are any guys on Tinder looking for a relationship? ›
An actual relationship is possible to achieve via Tinder. Although it may be rare and only few really say that they met on Tinder, it's definitely possible. Sometimes Tinder is just a stepping stone for people to meet likeminded individuals and there is always that rare unicorn on Tinder who's there looking for love.
What is Tinder mostly used for? ›For the uninitiated, Tinder is a mobile dating app that allows users to locate other singles in their geographic area. Users fill out a brief bio and upload photos. They can then start viewing photos of other users who match their age, gender, and location criteria.
Is Tinder OK for over 50? ›More and more people in their 50s and 60s are joining Tinder, a mobile dating app that matches singles who like each other's photos. Tinder's unique interface allows you to quickly swipe through potential dates at a fast pace.
Is Tinder good for one-night stands? ›Same people succeed both ways. “Most of the people who succeed on Tinder have casual sex and hook-ups otherwise, too,” says Professor Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair at the Department of Psychology at NTNU. The researchers have previously found that Tinder use did not lead to an increase in one-night stands.
Is 40 too old for Tinder? ›Tinder(Opens in a new tab) might seem like the last place to find a date if you're over 40. It's known for being a hookup app for younger people, but lots of older daters have had success with Tinder. So, it is not hopeless. Tinder boasts that it sparks more than 26 million matches per day.
How fast should you match on Tinder? ›It's better to meet up sooner rather than later, says dating expert for Match Hayley Quinn. One to two weeks is the optimum about of time, according to Quinn, as it gives you time to get to know them, but not too much time that you overthink or the spark fizzles.
Who usually texts first on Tinder? ›Either person can message first on Tinder, but some women wait for the man to reach out first. If you're swiping and match, it's okay to send your first message right then. It's also okay to wait a few hours or days if you're genuinely tied up.
What is the best first photo for Tinder? ›- First picture: Should be JUST OF YOU, it can be an activity picture, but no other people. ...
- Second picture: Should also be JUST OF YOU and your face should also be very clearly visible. ...
- Rest of pictures: These can be activity pics, group pics, or just cool pics in general.
According to MacPhail, beige flags are an indication that someone didn't put much effort into their profile, is incredibly boring, or both.
What does 420 mean in Tinder? ›What does 420 mean on Tinder? It means they enjoy, or at least are okay with, using cannabis and would probably prefer meeting people who feel the same.
What is the blue V in Tinder? ›
Verified profiles will display a blue checkmark so members can trust their authenticity.
How many likes first day Tinder as a guy? ›If you're a guy, for instance, you're probably getting more like 50 Likes per 12 hours. And if you've been guilty of right-swiping on everyone, it may be even less. All in all, it varies user-to-user. Tinder Likes depend on your age, location, gender, and other various secret factors that Tinder doesn't disclose.
What does 2 Blue Star mean on Tinder? ›What does a blue star next to someone's name mean? Well, it means someone Super Liked someone on Tinder. Either you Super Liked that person or that person Super Liked you. (Either way, the blue star will show.) However, you can find out which case it is by going to Messages and looking at the top of the screen.
What is rule number 1 of dating? ›The first rule of dating is to make sure that the other person is actually available. Physically available doesn't necessarily mean romantically available. A person may not be available for various reasons—hung up on someone else, on a substances, or even on a fear.
How many matches on Tinder is normal for a girl? ›However, current users of the app who reported being single had even more matches: 148 for men and 177 for women, on average.
What happens if you swipe right every time on Tinder? ›Blindly swiping right makes us more prone to what psychologists have called the bias of reciprocal liking. Basically, this means that we are more inclined to like someone if we already know that they like us. Although seemingly nonproblematic, this bias can actually prevent us from finding a good match.
What happens if you like too much on Tinder? ›Swiping Right Too Much or Too Little on Tinder
Anecdotal reports from Tinder users on Reddit claim that swiping right on too many profiles lowers your number of matches. However, Tinder has also recommended in the past that you should not limit likes to only one percent of the profiles you see.
A: If you're meeting someone for the first time from an online dating site, it should always just be for drinks or coffee. Something casual to get to know each other. As for the length, it's usually about an hour. If you're having a good time, though, obviously you'll want to stay longer and perhaps order some food.
How many swipes on Tinder a day? ›You're limited to 100 right swipes per day in Tinder, to make sure you're actually looking at profiles and not just spamming everyone to rack up random matches.
Why is Tinder more for over 30? ›When Tinder Plus launched, age discrimination for the subscription wasn't a secret. In the U.S., swipers older than 30 paid $19.99, while younger users paid $9.99. Following the rollout, a Tinder user sued the company for age discrimination under California state law.
What percentage of people on Tinder are cheating? ›
Furthermore, it was also found that some 17 percent of undergraduates had messaged someone on Tinder while in a committed relationship, and over 7 percent had engaged in a sexual relationship with someone they had met on Tinder while still in a committed relationship (Weiser et al 2018).
What percentage of Tinder profiles are fake? ›While it's hard to tell what percentage of Tinder profiles are bots, we can assume that it isn't more than 20%.
How many selfies should you have on Tinder? ›Four is the magic number for images you want to post on your dating profile. The fourth picture is like a freebie that gives you the freedom to post another full body shot or headshot, but show you in a different light. It could be you wearing a casual outfit, a dolled up head shot, or a fun photo of your laughing.
How do you tell if a girl on Tinder is a catfish? ›- You've searched their name on the internet but they don't seem to exist. ...
- They're asking for money early into your relationship. ...
- They're telling you they love you, but you've only been talking for a couple of days or weeks.
- They're avoiding face-to-face contact, either meeting up or video chats.
- The profile doesn't include a bio.
- The profile only has low res, few, or no photos.
- Their photos have URLs in them.
- They initiate the conversation, but their responses don't exactly make sense.
- They want to move to some other messaging service.
- They won't pick up a phone call. ...
- They don't have many followers or friends. ...
- Their story doesn't add up. ...
- They're using someone else's photos. ...
- Their only photos are professional. ...
- And speaking of photos: They've never sent you a casual selfie. ...
- They're reluctant to meet in real life or even video chat.
Loneliness and Low Self-Esteem
According to a University of North Texas study, Tinder users experience more mental health problems than non-users. These mental health issues could be related to regular rejection and frequent self-doubt. Essentially, dating sites contribute to feelings of hopelessness and loneliness.
Real scammers on Tinder will try to solidify a connection with you. They will ask you lots of questions about yourself, particularly about past relationships and your financial situation. They won't want to tell you lots of details about themselves, and if they do, look out for any inconsistencies.
How do you get a killer on Tinder? ›- Use a simple bio. A few words are fine - Words that display who you really are. ...
- Show your personality through pictures. ...
- Have good-quality photos. ...
- Avoid too many group photos. ...
- Smile. ...
- Highlight your best features. ...
- Get Feedback. ...
- Use a professional.
“Culturally, Tinder is known as a hook up app and it's really just that, DO NOT EXPECT TO FIND LOVE.” Since its inception in 2012, Tinder has been known as a hookup app, but this may be changing. Like Bumble, some users have met spouses or long-term partners on the app, while others use it strictly for casual flings.
When should I delete Tinder? ›
Golden explains, "If you met on a dating app and you've entered a committed relationship, deleting the apps should be a given once you're exclusive."
How to spot Tinder catfish? ›- You've searched their name on the internet but they don't seem to exist. ...
- They're asking for money early into your relationship. ...
- They're telling you they love you, but you've only been talking for a couple of days or weeks.
- They're avoiding face-to-face contact, either meeting up or video chats.
If you're unsure whether a person is who they say they are, conduct a Google reverse-image search based on the photos they're using. If you find out the photos are linked to someone else's profile, you've likely exposed this person's lie.
How do you spot a hookup scammer? ›- The scammer is quick to call it love. ...
- The scammer's profile contains vague or few images across platforms. ...
- The scammer asks for money. ...
- Allow relationships to develop slowly and naturally. ...
- Set up a video chat to verify their identity.
"Keep it short and sweet. Include a hobby or two, a quote from one of your favourite TV characters, what types of people you'd like to meet, or a fun fact. It's not a bad idea to show how strong your emoji game is, either. While an obscure reference may puzzle some, it could also help find you the perfect match."
How many Tinder matches is a lot for a guy? ›The average match rate for guys on Tinder is about 1 in 10. So, if a guy swipes right 100 times, he'd typically get 10 matches. However, this isn't just a matter of blindly swiping right - you also need to be selective and not too picky.