The Dos and Don'ts of Dating Apps, With Tips From Hinge Founder Justin McLeod

Your profile photos can really make or break your swipe game because they work much like a digital first impression. Your first photo should be a clear, colourful picture of yourself in a good mood. A picture really is worth a thousands words so make that story positive, inviting, and a reflection of your best self. As a general rule of thumb, "there are certain things that you don't want to do," says McLeod. "Don't do six selfies in a row. Don't just do six group photos in a row. There's some common-sense things about it, like not wearing sunglasses. Ideally, people want to see your face and eyes. But beyond that, it's about being yourself."

One of the things that makes Hinge so special is that you can sync your profile on the app with your Facebook network. This feature allows the app's algorithm to suggest matches based on six degrees of separation. Although you might not know, or have met your matches, it's likely that most of them are a friend of a friend of a friend. This can be helpful if you are a bit apprehensive about meeting a complete stranger. On the flip side, if you don't want someone to try finding you after a bad date then maybe it's best to keep your personal profiles out of the algorithm.

Once you and your person get the conversation going on the app, exchange numbers, and plan the first date ASAP. The last thing you want is to be chatting for a week via text, and by the time you actually have that first meet, all the momentum has kind of fizzled out. A coffee date, or after work drinks is a perfect first meet. Keep it short, light, and conversational, maybe an hour or two. This is the where you get out that personal spiel about family, education, work, previous relationships, and lifestyle preferences, but most importantly remember to ask — "So, why did you join Hinge?", that question will save you a world of overthinking and second guessing.

In this life, take absolutely nothing personally. Nothing happens to you, but for you. And when you decide to put yourself out there again, you're not starting from scratch, you're starting from experience. The first time I was ghosted, I was actually gutted and confused. I thought the date went well, but I guess not. Then after a few bad dates, I realised that one of the most valuable things I learned from dating apps is that it's really not that serious. It's okay if it doesn't work out because when you do meet that special, fireworks person, you'll be glad the that others didn't bring that spark.