What is the perception of romance by people using dating apps? How has having fun and being social changed as people pre-sort dates

by swiping right or left? Do young people prefer dating apps, or are they just trendy?

 Almost a third of young adults around the world use dating apps. Tinder, Grindr, Badoo, eHarmony – whatever you’re into, there’ll be something out there to float your boat. 

My sister met her boyfriend of two years through a dating app famous for its appeal to those searching for someone to mess around with; ‘flings’ of sorts.They’re a perfect match, though, and that got me thinking – do young people actually prefer meeting their potential lovers online? 

Back in the day (as my mother likes to say), someone would catch your eye in the school cafeteria, or maybe at the gym, and you’d have to physically approach them to see if you get on. In the 21st century, all you’ve got to do is swipe, take one glance at a strategically-angled selfie, and decide whether or not you want to slide into the person’s DMs.

On one hand, it’s great. In an age where social anxiety is becoming more and more common, getting to know someone through chatting online can be a huge relief over meeting in person and risking a disaster. It’s safer to speak through a screen before you invest your time (and heart) in someone you might not get along with after all. On the other hand, perhaps dating apps are no more than another trend? You decide. One thing’s for certain – since 13% of dating app users have actually tied the knot with someone they met online, it’s a trend that’s changing our perception of romance.