With the advent of Tinder, online dating has shed its stigma super quick. This app was a game changer. What was once considered a borderline seedy online space to be in is now a super casual way to meet people. For online dating enthusiasts who are looking to try out a new app or site, here's a round-up of some newly launched (or yet to launch) apps geared toward users of all types.
FlikDate is the first live-video dating app, designed to let mobile users (its iOs and Android compatible) meet and get to know each other "face-to-face" first. So, no profiles, no back and forth messaging before you actually talk, just face-to-face chatting so you can get a feel for your actual chemistry. So, for those daters who are concerned the person they're messaging isn't "real," this one's for you. Those who hate talking on the phone, not so much.
Turning the general assumption around "dating sites," on it's head, this dating site is built for serious online daters who seek a long-term relationship with a faithful partner. It's made for serious seekers (you have to check a box confirming you're not currently involved with anyone in order to get started), particularly who have been "betrayed in a previous relationship." Find out more about the app's founder, Danine Manette.
On this app, the first point of contact is video. Users have 60 seconds to make an impression with other users, and if the brief conversation goes well on both ends, they'll be able to keep chatting through RealTalk's messaging service. So, it might not be a casual, flick through in bed on a Sunday morning kind of thing, but the goal is to "help users create true-to-life experience when it comes to meeting new people."
This quaintly named app may take after it's predecesor, Grindr, in that it's all about action – made to be used as a location-based, social-meetup tool, but this one is strictly for no-strings-attached-cuddling. Yeah. I mean … it is getting cold out.
This controversial app launched in January 2013 as essentially, a Facebook-based casual sex finder but there have been updates – now, users can let you browse friends of friends on Facebook and clarify if they want to "date, as opposed to just being 'down' (to bang) someone, as well as browse the hottest people in your network." This, according to founder Colin Hodge.
Bonus: Canada's longest-standing dating site, Lava Life, entered the testing stages of a new and improved site last month. They're hoping to provide a cleaner, more engaging, socialized experience for members. Lava Life adherents can expect to have their game stepped up for them.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for: Bumble – a new app from the creators of Tinder. The app is similar in layout and function to Tinder, but conversations can only be initiated by women within 24 hours of swiping right. For same sex connections or friendships, either person has to make a move within 24 hours before it disappears.
Have fun, daters. Learn lots, abandon your expectations, and be safe!
