Four Tinder members share how dating apps have helped to boost their confidence, expand their horizons, become more open-minded and create a better work-love-life balance

The dating journey is never static; it has evolved from generation to generation, each with their own unique trends and each with their own unique set of challenges. With the arrival of Tinder in 2012, the dating journey changed dramatically and forever. Over the following decade, dating moved from something that was heavily influenced by societal pressures to today where daters are in firm control of their own destiny – in a recent survey* of Thai singletons 70% said they currently use a dating app.

Accelerated by the pandemic, Thai singletons have thrown away the old dating rules and are writing their own as they desire flexibility in the type of relationship they develop and value openness and authenticity in their dates.

With an increased ability to control their own dating journey, and different ways in determining dating success, four Thai females share their dating app experiences and discuss how they feel empowered in today’s digital-first world.

A boost to self confidence

Thailand’s beauty standards and the pressure to comply was challenged by 2021 Miss Universe Thailand winner Anchilee Scott-Kemmis with her #RealSizeBeauty campaign. Promoting self-confidence and encouraging acceptance and authenticity resonated with Thai youths who are today less judgemental than previous generations and use dating apps as a low pressure way to connect with others.

“I used to be an insecure person,” shares Tinder member Kwan. “I didn’t like to meet or talk to new people as my appearance didn’t really meet Thai beauty standards. This made me very shy but when I started to use dating apps I felt in control and I became more self-confident. I now look for people with similar interests and musical likes, reach out to them and make our first connection online. And if the vibe is good, we can then meet up in real life.”

Expanding horizons and opening minds

The days of looking for a relationship with someone from the same background and social status as yourself are gone. Young Thai adults recognise that dating today is more fluid, they are exploring more creative ways to connect, are honest and clear in what they want in a relationship, and more open-minded than ever before – 58% of Thai singletons say they are looking for a date who is open-minded and accepting*.

For Tinder member Jai, dating apps have helped her to become more open-minded in who she connects with and the activities they do together. “Dating apps have opened my mind to new relationships with people I may not have previously considered. I now love listening to new ideas and joining in new activities and hobbies that I’ve never done. A person I met on a dating app recently invited me to go hiking with them. Hiking hadn’t really interested me before but I really enjoyed it and right now it’s one of my favourite things to do!”

Growing your circle

While daters often connect over shared passions, 53% of Thai singletons say they are open to meeting people of diverse backgrounds and identities, and 69% say that dating apps help them to connect with people who they may not otherwise meet.*

For Tinder member Fourdy, dating apps have helped her to connect with people outside her immediate circle of friends. “Before using dating apps, I would only date people in my circle or those I met through friends of friends. Dating apps have helped me to make new friends and find new dates outside my immediate circle. It’s fun meeting someone new and who has a different background, you can learn so much and really connect over a new passion. I previously connected with a programmer, something I knew nothing about, he was an expert and helped me solve all my tech problems lol!”

A Dating app with a safe digital space

The virtual date became popular during the pandemic with almost half of all Tinder members globally having at least one video chat. Post pandemic, it’s clear that online dating is here to stay with 62% of Thai singles saying they can create meaningful connections with someone through an online date and almost half saying they are comfortable expressing their identity on dating apps.

“Balancing a new career and a private life isn’t always easy and personally, I often prioritise work over an IRL meet-up with someone new,” says Tinder member Jennie. “For me it’s important that I get to know the person before I consider a real life date with them and dating apps have really helped me on this – I can be more flexible when I chat or video call, and I can learn about their real self, their personality, attitude, likes and dislikes while on a virtual date. I am in control of the journey and I find dating apps a much better way to meet someone new and connect with them on a deeper level than social media apps.”

Here are some top tips from Thai Tinder members to ensure a safe and fun online dating experience:

• “Definitely try Tinder’s Explore! You can find people by interest and I love to connect with people who have different interests to me!” – Jai.
• “Read their bio before matching. A well written bio and complete profile can really help you decide if you want to match. The same goes for you also – make sure you update your own profile too!” – Fourdy.
• “Keep it fun and safe. I like how you have control and can block people on Tinder that you don’t want to see, or don’t want to connect with again.” – Kwan.
• “Tinder is a great way to show the real you to others. There’s lots of cool features and my new fav is Dating Goals – you can see straight away what type of relationship the other person is looking for.” – Jennie.

 

 

*A survey of 1000 18-25 year old singles in Thailand commissioned by Tinder and carried out 26/04/2022 – 08/06/2022.