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In the sea of dating apps, one company looks to stand out from the rest. Hinge is major player in the new hook-up app game and is quickly becoming a fierce competitor to Tinder. Since early 2013, Hinge has been changing the way people swipe left and right. Rather than simply basing matches on interests, this algorithm focuses strictly on friends. The atmosphere of the app is much safer and users are less prone to user harassment than other dating apps on the market. Hinge pride themselves on helping you find “Mr./Ms Right” rather than “Mr./Ms Right Now.” Everyone you come across on Hinge will be connected to you in some way, which makes it three times as likely that you’ll swipe right. If you’re looking for love in a crowd of hook-ups, Hinge will answer your prayers.
Profiles 7.5
Just like the other apps in it’s field, Hinge connects with your Facebook profile to pull your friends list and other interests. Once you’ve established your presence in the Hinge universe, there are a bunch of options you wouldn’t see on Tinder. First off, you’re allowed more photos. With Hinge, you’re allowed up to 16 photos compared to Tinder’s six. After you’ve selected your desired collection of images, you can enter a variety of personal information including a bio, height, religion and ethnicity. You can also add what you’re looking for as far as dating options—do you want something casual, dating, or a serious relationship? You’re also able to select from a variety of tags such as “foodie”, “beer snob”, and “health nut.” You are prompted to select at least 3, but you can go as wild as you’d like. Since Hinge is linked with your Facebook, it pulls information such profession, education, and hometown. Of course, you can edit all of this if you prefer to not be so open about your life. You can set your location as well, which remains the same no matter where you travel, unlike Tinder which is based on where you currently are.
Hinge Preview
Matching 7.0
Hinge uses your general location to find people who are connected to you via friends. In order for someone to be displayed they must be a friend, a friend of a friend, or a friend of a friend of a friend.
That last one is just fun to say. This algorithm creates a safer and more welcoming atmosphere since people have their reputation on the line. With other apps, you’re basically anonymous and can say whatever you want. With a closer connection, the conversation is more intimate and real. This allows users to form bonds and exchange interests rather than sexually harass each other.
Filters 7.1
With Hinge you are able to set your desired age range anywhere from 18 to 65. That’s a bit more selective than Tinder’s “55+” max. Rather than an unlimited amount of swipes, Hinge presents you with about 20 people each day. When you aren’t swiping on people, you’re swiping on interests and experiences such as “Do you have tattoos?” or “Have you been to Paris?” This helps narrow down your potential matches and provides great conversation starters. Even though you are unable to filter religion and height, you can still see this information on each profile before swiping.
Communication 7.2
So you finally matched with that 5’4” Jewish babe you swiped right on a couple days ago. You then have 24 hours to initiate conversation. Once you’ve gotten the courage to say hi, you’ll have 14 days to get each match’s phone number. After your 14 days are over, the conversation disappears from your match list and is forever gone with no way to reconnect. So get to it, make that bond, and get that phone number so you can set up what could potentially be the last first date you’ll ever go on.
Value 7.3
Overall, Hinge is a higher quality dating app than others currently on the market. It’s focused on creating and establishing strong connections between potential lovers rather than a one-time hook-up. It’s completely free with no option of a “plus” or paid version. Hinge is not an “all day” app because it only presents you with around 20 people to swipe per day. With Hinge’s thorough profiles and the option to include 16 pictures, you have a better idea of who you’re swiping on than Tinder. Hinge is worth a shot if you’re ready to take that step towards a relationship. If you’re just looking for a fling, you might have better luck on something like Tinder.
