Is Online Dating a Good Way To Make Friends?

I’m not talking about social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, either (although those can work, too). Believe it or not, dating apps aren’t simply for hooking up or finding the one. They’re not just a terrific way to make friends; they’re also a great way to meet new individuals. What proof do I possess? I’ve done it and been there a lot of times. I’ve never found a meaningful relationship through the apps (I’m still single), but over the past several years, I’ve made and kept more friends than I can count on two hands. Think about what I’m saying, please. Here are seven (7) non-romantic reasons dating apps can make your life better.

Meet Platonic Friends

Why do you think dating apps have gradually included sub-platforms for non-romantic relationships? Bumble BFF, Tinder Social, and a plethora of other businesses have also emerged, adding friend-finding capabilities to their platforms.

I first connected with Jackie, one of my closest friends, via Bumble in 2015. Despite only knowing each other for a month, she was among the first people to arrive at my front door once I was informed of the passing of my ex-boyfriend.

We have, of course, remained close ever since she gave us that gorgeous aloe plant on that memorable day, and we have supported one another as we travelled on airplanes, moved to new locations, and began new jobs. I’m thrilled to have met her, and I owe Bumble a debt of gratitude for making it possible for me to do so.

Get a Local Guide to a New City

On business trips that take me out of state, I’ve used dating apps to find locals (or “tour guides,” as I’ve oh-so-kindly termed them) to grab meals and drinks with. Nick showed me around Toronto while Jenna brought me to a great vegan restaurant in Los Angeles. If we hadn’t matched, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy these new places as a resident.

Meeting strangers in unexpected locations was a huge danger for me as a solo female traveler, and I had to have a lot of faith in them not to trick me and lead me into perilous situations. For this reason, you should be cautious and serious about your matches. Fortunately, I’m still here to tell the tale, and I’ve picked up some new memories to go with it.

Get an Antidote for Modern-Day Isolation

I’ve met a lot of folks through online dating that I’ve kept in touch with over the years via email, social media, and in-person interactions—all because we just so happened to connect on the apps. We may not have gotten along romantically or sexually, and we may not have entered the situation with the intention of doing so, but we nonetheless managed to establish close platonic relationships.

Overcome Shyness

I’ve met a lot of folks through online dating that I’ve kept in touch with over the years via email, social media, and in-person interactions—all because we just so happened to connect on the apps. We may not have gotten along romantically or sexually, and we may not have entered the situation with the intention of doing so, but we nonetheless managed to establish close platonic relationships.

Reignite Your Faith in Humanity

Regardless of the reason you use dating apps, matching with strangers online is an opportunity to get to know new people personally. That’s what happens when you change your objectives, broaden your outlook, adjust your expectations, and provide private information to people who don’t give a damn if they use it or not. Unexpected connections are made with people. You begin to genuinely care about one another and feel attracted to one another. You make new friends. And all of a sudden, the world seems smaller, gentler, and more welcome.