As social media continues to shift towards hyper-connectivity, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to foster genuine human connections. Finding friends, especially after relocating to a new place, can be a challenging and lonely experience. While dating apps like Tinder have exploded in popularity, venturing onto it for platonic friendship can be an exercise in futility.

Tinder, which describes itself as “the world’s most popular app for meeting new people,” is primarily geared towards finding romantic relationships. Users swipe through photos, and if two users swipe right on each other, they are instantly matched and given the option to message each other. However, using Tinder to find friends can have a disastrous outcome.

Firstly, the app’s format predominantly relies on physical appearance, which goes directly against the idea of genuine friendship. While a romantic connection may develop by solely basing it on physical attraction, it’s less likely that a friendship can form with the bare minimum of discovery criteria.

Secondly, Tinder is known for its hook-up culture, which may be off-putting or uncomfortable for someone seeking a platonic relationship. With unclear intentions and pressure to present the most attractive version of oneself, the experience can quickly become overwhelming and frustrating.

As a result, alternatives to Tinder have emerged, specifically designed for forging friendships. Bumble BFF, originally designed as a dating app, added a feature allowing users to connect with potential friends. Users sign up with the app and swipe through profiles, then send a message if there’s a mutual interest. Bumble BFF aims to foster women’s friendships by offering a safer platform to connect with like-minded individuals.

Another similar platform is Friender. Its tagline “We made it easy to make friends locally” highlights the app’s focus on locality. It encourages meeting up in-person, going for coffee, seeing a movie, or exploring the user’s new hometown together. By narrowing down the focus to local friendships, Friender aims to connect people meaningfully.

In contrast to these apps, Meetup isn’t exclusively online-based. Users can participate in various local groups and events to meet new people. Meetup caters to different interests, hobbies, and activities, allowing users to connect with like-minded individuals through shared experiences.

Tinder may be the default app to meet new people, but it’s far from the ideal place to find friends. As social media evolves and adapts to users’ needs, platonic friendship options are emerging, each with its unique approach. Whether you’re new to town or looking to expand your circle, these friendship-based apps offer a meaningful way to connect.