What Are The Best Dating Apps For College Students?

According to a University of South Carolina survey, approximately 65% of student participants reported using dating apps. The widespread prevalence of these apps may indicate a shift in how those from younger generations meet potential partners. However, with so many options available, finding the best dating apps for college students can seem overwhelming. While which dating app is the “best” may vary depending on personal preference, one way to determine which app to use could be by popularity, with Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge tending to be the most widely used options. Still, dating in the modern age can come with various challenges. If you’re having trouble dating, especially if mental health challenges are impacting your experience, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist for support and guidance.

What are the most popular dating apps?

Surveys suggest that the most popular college dating apps are Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. Each of these apps may offer a different experience for users, both in how they use the app and how they interact with potential partners. 

Tinder

Tinder is a dating app that allows users to swipe left or right to indicate whether they like (or dislike) another user. A swipe to the left means that they are not interested in matching with a person, while a swipe to the right means that they are interested. 

Users typically build profiles that include a variety of details, including their photos, age, location, gender, and social media accounts. From there they can enter the age range of partners they are looking for (ranging from 18 to 55+ years old), and how far away they can be (ranging between one and 100 miles).

After their profiles and preferences are set, users can swipe (or use the “X” or “heart” icons) to sort through other users’ profiles and match with others. If a match is made, the two individuals can chat and potentially set up a date. Other features are also available, which may vary depending on whether a user signs up for Tinder’s paid services, such as Tinder Plus or Gold. For example, paid members may be able to use the rewind feature, which can allow them to return to a previously swiped profile. Another premium feature, the “star” icon, can send another user a “super like,” which can show them you are interested before they swipe, while the “lightning bolt” icon can boost a person’s profile so they get more views. 

Bumble

Bumble shares many of the same features as Tinder, including the ability to swipe left or right to indicate whether one is interested in another person. The feature that originally set Bumble apart from other apps was the experience it provided to women and those who identify as women. 

In the past, male Bumble users could indicate whether they were interested in a female user, but even if they matched, they could not message that person first. Women, on the other hand, generally had a 24-hour window to begin a conversation. This process appears to have changed in 2024 when Bumble introduced its “Opening Moves” feature, allowing men to send the first message in certain situations. 

Hinge

Hinge may differ from Tinder and Bumble in the way that users interact. Instead of swiping to indicate whether they like another individual, Hinge users can like specific parts of another person’s profile or give a rose (Hinge’s version of Tinder’s “super like”). 

Users can also respond to prompts; these prompts can function as icebreakers that help users avoid the generic openers that are often associated with dating app communication. Hinge can also allow a user to officially share more details about themselves on their profile, including their political beliefs, height, and religion. 

However, while finding the best dating app may be important, it can also be essential to stay safe. The world of online dating can be said to have its own set of risks, and being aware of these may ensure a safer and more positive experience. 

Tips for staying safe on dating apps

According to Cedarville University, there may be several ways for college students to stay safe when using dating apps. 

• Keep communication on the app: While you may feel comfortable talking with a person outside of a dating app at some point, it is often safer to wait until you get to know them or can prove they are trustworthy. Staying on the app can also increase the safety of communication, as many of these platforms have safety measures in place to protect users. 
• Don’t provide extra personal information: Many apps encourage you to provide your name and other details that potential dates may view. However, if a date is asking you to give them further information, such as bank account details, your address, or the names of close relatives, that may be a cause for concern. It can also be beneficial to meet someone for the first time in a public place, so they do not know your home address. This, combined with measures like informing loved ones where you will be and who you are meeting, can add an extra layer of protection. 
• Block and report suspicious individuals: If another user acts in a way that makes you uncomfortable or raises your suspicion, it may be necessary to block and report them. For example, if a person seems to be misrepresenting themselves with fake pictures or information, or if they are sending you sexually explicit messages, then using the block and report features may be beneficial. 
• Be on the lookout for red flags: Trusting your instincts and being wary of those you meet on dating apps can often be essential. Part of this process often involves watching for red flags. These red flags can vary and may include a person making inconsistent claims about their identity or background, individuals who want to meet in person immediately, or those who have a problem meeting in a public place. 

Even if a person takes safety precautions, the use of dating apps may impact their psychological health. While these apps could make meeting a potential partner more convenient, they may also come with several drawbacks. 

Psychological impacts of dating apps on college students

Research indicates that the use of dating apps may have a significant impact on adolescents, an age group that may include some college students. Dating apps have the potential to affect a person’s social relationships, self-esteem, and body image. In addition, several aspects of these apps may increase anxiety and a sense of inadequacy. These aspects may include the following:

• Commodification of romantic interactions: Dating apps can turn many elements of romantic courtship and love into commodities or something that can be bought and sold. Users may sense they are viewed as products, and with the tendency for individuals to move on quickly from a match or dismiss a person for shallow reasons, this may impact their self-image. 
• Emphasis on physical appearance: Most dating apps encourage users to provide photographs of themselves for other users to see. While this can be helpful, as individuals can determine whether they are physically attracted to another person before setting up a date, dating apps often place a significant emphasis on physical appearance. This is frequently apparent when looking at the design of many dating apps, which usually heavily relies on images for users to decide whether they are interested. 

How to cope with these challenges

If an individual is experiencing the impacts of online dating or struggling with other aspects of college life, it may be beneficial to talk to a mental health professional. However, in-person forms of therapy may not be available or convenient for everyone. 

For those in college, it may be difficult to find time to schedule an appointment or visit a therapist’s office, as these tasks could conflict with class schedules. Students may also lack health insurance, which could increase the difficulty of finding a mental health professional. In these cases, it could be beneficial to explore alternatives, such as online therapy. 

Research suggests that online therapy may be effective at reducing the mental health struggles of college students. In a 2023 scoping review, researchers analyzed studies on the effectiveness of digital-based psychotherapy between 2019 and 2022 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). This digital-based psychotherapy included interventions through video conferencing, websites, and smartphone applications. Researchers concluded that digital psychotherapy could not only be used as a support and prevention service for college students, but it could also be effective at reducing mental health challenges.