I loved the freedom of online dating – but discovered meeting people is no guarantee of building a lasting connection
I first joined Tinder when I was 18. I was lonely towards the end of my first year of university and couldn’t believe that everyone was spending their summer revising in a library. I wanted to meet normal people – which seemed to irk my friends, who didn’t understand why I wanted to “date randos”.
Their scepticism spurred me on. Deep down, they were surely jealous of the freedom Tinder granted. It wasn’t shameful – it was validating. There really were hot singles in my area, who, best of all, thought I was attractive and were kind enough to identify themselves. Since then I’ve been an evangelist for dating apps, constantly haranguing my friends to broaden their horizons and have a spin of the digital roulette wheel.
Alex Mistlin is a commissioning editor on Guardian Saturday
