By: Vrinda Sobti
Edited by: Connor Fraser
The Fredericton dating scene brings together the hopeful romantic, the chaotic swiper, and some people who really should just stay single forever. Keeping that in mind, we tried out some of the most popular-cum-infamous dating apps UNB/STU students are using. We also polled some students and professors to hear about their experiences, the conclusion being: what is love without a little suffering?
The Dating App Rundown
1. Tinder — The Classic Dumpster Fire
If you love chaotic energy, unmatched messages, and people who look absolutely nothing like their photos, then Tinder is the place for you. The usual go-to for hookups, but every now and then, you will get that one person who just actually wants to go on an actual date — crazy, I know. One UNB student shares this: “I matched with someone who looked cool, but when we met, he brought his mom along because he ‘doesn’t like eating alone with strangers.’”
2. Hinge — For Those Who Pretend to Have Their Life Together
Hinge is like Tinder’s sophisticated cousin sipping their organic oat milk matcha latte and reading a philosophy book. It markets itself as “The app designed to be deleted,” but let us be real — it just means fewer unsolicited pics. According to one STU student: “The prompts make people seem deep, but half the time it is just recycled jokes. One guy’s answer to ‘biggest risk you’ve taken’ was ‘microwaving metal’.”
3. Bumble — Where Women Make the First Move (and Then Regret It)
Bumble allows women to message first — a great idea in theory but it has resulted in many “Heyyy🥰” messages that lead to absolutely nowhere. As one student reported, “I messaged first with something witty about his dog. He replied three weeks later with ‘Sorry I was busy’. Busy for three weeks? Sure buddy.”
4. Grindr — For Speedrunning Heartbreak
If you are looking for a fast-paced mix of thirst and questionable decisions, Grindr delivers. It is not for the faint of heart, and the messages are, let us just say, BOLD. A UNB student sums it up as: “Matched with someone, and their opener was, ‘You free in 10?’ No hello, no name, just efficiency.”
5. Facebook Dating — For Those Who’ve Given Up
Yes, this is a thing. No, I have no idea why. Apparently, it is a last resort for those folks who still change their status on Facebook. One user explained: “Tried it out of curiosity. Was matched with a high school classmate whom I studiously avoided at the time. Some things never change.”
More Student and Professor Experiences
Student, STU: “Met a guy on Hinge who seemed perfect. He was great until he ‘doesn’t believe in chairs’ and made me sit on the floor during our date.”
Student, UNB: “Tinder date went fine until she pulled out an MLM pitch halfway through dinner. I left with pamphlets instead of her number. I was cooked.”
Professor, STU: “Tried Bumble once. Matched with someone who seemed familiar. Turns out, they were in my 200-level course. Closed the app immediately.”
Professor, UNB: “Curiosity got the best of me, so tried Hinge. Matched with someone who listed ‘debating politics’ as a hobby. Let’s just say the date turned into an unintentional lecture. I miss my office.”
Student, UNB: “I met this guy on Tinder. He sounded nice. Went out, he had a guitar. Not that he played but to ‘vibe.’ And the whole night it sat like the third wheel between us at the table.”
The Final Verdict?
The Fredericton dating apps scene is like gambling, some ended up finding a partner, but most just walked away with interesting stories. Whatever be your reasons, good luck, swipe for fun, romance, or boredom, but be prepared. You are going to need it!
