Caitlyn is a sophomore who over a year ago met her current boyfriend on Tinder thirteen months ago. While they had been talking since that swipe in March, the two were not able to meet in person until four months later in July when they had their first date. Walking around her hometown of Marshfield, the two spent the day exploring and getting to know one another face-to-face. Now that they are back on the UMass campus, the two can see each other much more frequently.

While actually meeting a person may be difficult due to the rise and fall in case numbers, the online world is unlimited in opportunities. Because of this, many students are turning to platforms such as Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid to find new relationships (and hook-ups). A survey conducted at UMass Amherst said that 62.7% of respondents have used dating apps in the past.

Dating apps have seen a surge in popularity and usage throughout the pandemic. Back in March 2020, Tinder reported their highest amount of swipes ever in a single day, with over 3 billion having taken place. And while everyone uses them in different ways, these online platforms are allowing new connections to be made online without the risk of the pandemic.

Caitlyn says that having to see each other over the weekends while battling both long-distance and pandemic was hard but worth it. She credits the app for the relationship because they likely never would have met due to having different social groups. She started using dating apps in order to find a relationship and did so successfully.

With limitless opportunities, not all users are following the same path online. Abygale, a freshman from Maryland, is not looking to meet up with anyone just yet, instead of swiping for the thrill of it.

Mainly using Tinder and Bumble, Abygale uses it as a joke or form of entertainment. Having never met up with anyone in person nor pursuing a romantic relationship, she prefers to swipe when she’s bored or looking to kill time. Abygale finds it fun but is not interested in starting a relationship with someone she met online.

And she is not alone, the survey found that only 33% of respondents see dating apps having a positive impact on their romantic lives.

Email Elizabeth at [email protected]