Gadget of the Month

BILL & PHIL’S GADGET OF THE MONTH Dating Apps: Be My Valentine? | Bill Ramsey & Phillip Hampton

When the NBA Editorial Committee asked us to write an online dating article for our Valentines issue, we went what the ****?! Bill is happily married. We don’t know how he managed to trick Lisa. And Phillip’s phone is ringing off the wall with calls from admirers. Nevertheless, out of a sense of duty, we have done our research by talking to users of several of these services, so here you go.

Now that we have COVID-19, gone are the days of going to bars, concerts, or large parties to try to find a mate. However, we have heard that workout classes are still a place to meet your match. So, maybe you should try a dating app. As always, Bill and Phil are here for you, giving advice on all things tech (even dating).

First, the basics. You must be ready to sell yourself. If the thought makes you break out in hives, then dating apps are probably not for you. Second, you need to decide on your goals. Do you want a long-term relationship? Or, do you just need some companionship, even if just for a night or two? Third, you need to be aware of the risks of meeting strangers via the internet. Fourth, in these pandemic days, you should consider confining your first “date” to a video chat or two. That gives “Zoom went the strings of my heart” a whole new meaning.

Here is our list of the top 10 dating services. There are many more, but based on our survey, these are the most promising.

Tinder has a very large user base, and is ideal for those who don’t want to fill out a huge background form so that they can be matched via some sophisticated algorithm. It is for those who base their decisions totally on looks. Users just scroll through pictures and swipe right if you like and left if you don’t. You can upgrade (at a cost) for features such as unlimited swipes, undoing left swipes, and sending “Super Likes.”

Bumble is the “Sadie Hawkins Day” of the online apps. On this service, women must make the first move. Matches expire in 24 hours, but women can avoid messages from weirdos. You can also look for BFFs who are considered “just friends.”

OkCupid is the app for those who are left-leaning politically. It allows the use of many gender identities (12 to be exact) and even more sexual orientations. Users can even choose the pronouns to be used when being referred to. It also features “deal breaker” questions you can ask your potential date. It does have an algorithm to suggest potential matches.

Facebook already knows most everything about you. Why not give it even more personal data through Facebook Dating? The good news is that it is free. The bad news is there is no video chat feature. Of course, you have to have a Facebook account, but Facebook says the information is not used on the public side of Facebook. Sure.

The Grindr app is strictly for men looking to date other men. It has been around for a good while and is quite successful. It is geared primarily for a quick, casual date.

Eharmony is a more traditional online dating service and is well-known because of all the advertising and its longevity. It is designed for those who want to find long-term relationships. It is expensive, but has a good success rate.

POF (Plenty of Fish) is a very popular dating app across the globe. It has over 70 million users in English speaking countries. I guess there are “too many fish in the sea,” The Marvelettes sang. It also allows video dating and, in fact, encourages it. The parent company owns several other online dating services, including Tinder, but sexy language in your profile will get you banned—like Trump and Twitter.

Hinge is for those that don’t necessarily want to commit to a relationship (as on eharmony), but want something more serious than a Tinder date. You can build detailed, creative profiles. In fact, you are encouraged to do so. Tinder’s parent company owns this one, too.

Our expert consultants, especially those in the legal field, like The League a lot, because you must qualify and be accepted on this service. It is intended for the ambitious, career-oriented “elite.” It is meant to be an exclusive club, and assesses your LinkedIn and Facebook accounts to see if you are worthy. You can be admitted via a reference from someone who has already been admitted.

If you’d like to learn more, there is a comprehensive list of all online dating services on Wikipedia that compares all their features. Hopefully, though, COVID-19 will lighten up and you can go back to bars to “look for love in all the wrong places.” n

See you next month,

Bill & Phil