Top 10 Pop culture moments of the decade #10: Tinder
Tinder may not be your thing, but it definitely has changed the way we date.
Helen ZhangAn entire decade has passed and, surprisingly, we are still here. From the world ending in 2012 to fidget spinners, this decade has been filled with iconic and weird memories. In this segment, our writer reflects back on this decade and decides which pop culture moments were the most memorable or the most influential.
I actually don’t remember anything about when Tinder was introduced. To me, it just has always existed. Nevertheless, Tinder has changed the dating game.
Tinder launched in 2012 and, currently, it is estimated that the app has 57 million users worldwide. Even if you don’t use Tinder, you may know someone who does, especially as a university student — almost everyone around is on some form of a dating app.
One of the original founders of Tinder, Whitney Wolfe Herd, actually left the company and started Bumble in 2014. So, even the roots of a different dating app, began from Tinder.
From late-night TV hosts to music videos, Tinder is either mentioned or spoofed. This just shows how much of an impact this one dating app has had.
Even though Tinder has many problems, such as the prevalence of shallow interactions or, more severely, verbal harassment and racial biases, it does provide a platform for people looking for casual partners and normalized the act of casual dating. There’s no shame in wanting a dick appointment for one night — as it should be!
Additionally, it may not be perfect, but for some members of the LGBTQ+ community, dating apps allow them to find LGBTQ+ singles without subjecting themselves to face to face interactions.
Although I’m not a fan of online dating and don’t have Tinder, I can see the impact it has on people around me — either being a positive experience or a horrible, but funny, story to tell everyone. Nevertheless, it gave people the power to choose what they want for themselves in a partner, which is great for them!
This app will bring in new memories for everyone, and new people. Let’s hope Tinder doesn’t get any worse in 2020.
