Swipe Through: New Dating Apps

Years ago, experiences were different, the anxiousness you felt on asking someone out on a date, the fear of rejection that made you hesitate to make a move, that first step, the anticipation and the ecstasy. But all we have now is just a right swipe, no commitments, no emotions, tons of fish in the sea, multiple options to choose from, no hesitation and just a chat box. Simple, right?

Dating apps have been here for a while now increasing our levels of confusion and I’m sure we all want to give it a try, once. There are many we already know about like,Tinder and happn. Many dating apps have called themselves relationship apps, where in the ulterior motive is to find the love of your life, not just a casual date. Here are some old and new applications with their interactive features that have caught our attention as the ones offering a sense of immediacy and simplicity.

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TRULY MADLY

2014

Average rating 3.9/5

(Windows, Android and IOS)

One of India’s own, Truly Madly, launched in 2014,. is in a way unique that it goes beyond the idea of dating. It’s focus is more on the matrimonial aspect. It ensures you have fun while chatting with your special someone as it has numerous games and multiple stickers which does not make the chat mundane. From keeping your identity secure to proper verifier systems it also has a ‘trust score’ system, which lets people rate you based on your interactions with them. Once registered, the app gathers information from the user’s social media accounts making them even more authentic which then helps build your trust.

OK CUPID

2004

Average rating 4.1/5

(Windows, Android and IOS)

One of the oldest dating apps introduced to the world in 2004, slowly found its way in India. It’s tagline ’Dating deserves better’ makes the whole app experience different and detailed as you can express yourself better in every aspect here. OkCupid distinct itself as a matchmaking one. A large section of people to browse and choose from until you’ve explored it well. First thing you’ll come across here is that you have no restrictions on sexual orientation, you just have to choose the one suitable for you. Interest and proximity, are the process points here. Taking two things into consideration – your hobbies and your distance it looks for options perfect for you. But what makes it interesting is when it shows your ‘match percent’ with the profiles displayed.

FLOH

2011

Average rating 3.6/5

(Windows, Android and IOS)

Floh, was a startup in the early 2011s with an aim to merge online matches with offline meetings, with the only purpose of providing them with a partner. Making its foot in Bangalore first, Floh became more of a single’s community. It is a paid service, operating in three cities and five countries helping these matches meet offline by organising events from brewery visits, wine tastings, movie nights and bonfire with barbecue, often ending with happiness in its user’s hearts with their chosen one. It does, what other apps don’t, as it mixes people and experience, making the most out of life. Currently, it has 6000 members, 850 events and a success rate of 500 marriages. Don’t be shy, give it a try.

WOO

2014

Average rating 3.8/5

(Windows, Android and IOS)

Connect with like minded people all in one place. Woo, came out with a unique concept of finding people on the basis of tags of interest in 2014, in order to attract youth of the era. Yes, thats what makes them unique, you can always have real conversations here and spark off real connections in the real world. No need to feel guilty by rejecting them, you can always send them a message and find out more about them or just send them a ‘like’. The messages range from customised questions to typing one of your own. You can also record your own voice as your introduction. They push forward the idea of casual dating but meaningful relationship.

VEE

2014

Average rating 3.9/5

(Windows, Android and IOS)

Vee, also made its appearance in the app market when the whole idea of online dating was on a surge. It is suitable for people who likes more privacy. Ensuring optimum security measures, its focus is on enabling trust based relations like its tagline goes ‘We make relationships’. It categorises people on the basis of their educational achievements and profession. A platform for making genuine friendships and long-lasting relationships it has a feature where in you can reveal your information only to the people you’ve approved. What makes it special is its privacy feature.

From the February-March 2018 issue of FHM India.