If you’re not already a full blown addict, you will probably soon give into the Tinder flame and the way you view dating will reach another level. You can now chat with, date or even hook up with the people you desire in your area, all from the comfort of your smart phone.

What is Tinder?

Tinder is a matchmaking app where both men and women browse through Facebook profile pictures of the opposite sex in your area. If any pictures seem appealing, the individual can “like” the picture and hope the recipient does the same so you can strike up a conversation.

The app was launched in September 2012 and was initially designed for college campuses. The founders of Tinder, Sean Rad, Whitney Wolfe, Jonathan Badeen, Christopher Gulczynsk, Joe Munoz and Justin Manteen, promoted the app as more of getting the chance to meet and potentially date people in your area. After being in use for the past two years, the app has slowly become more of a hook-up and casual sex app.

Each person has a profile, which displays their first name, last initial and age. The person then has the option to add interests and a little “about me” section. The profile does display your location which could be totally creepy, said UC Davis student Danielle Aguirre. “I think the app is safe if you are just curious, but on the other hand it could be very easy for anyone to obsess and follow you,” she said.

Tinder, a million dollar company, has caused a lot of controversy. From invasion of privacy, to safety issues, Tinder seems to have a love-hate relationship with a lot of people.

One of the most current issues regarding Tinder is the infamous “tiger-selfies.” Young men have recently been taking selfies with exotic tigers in order to have a more appealing profile picture on Tinder. This became so popular that the New York State Assembly passed a legislation prohibiting direct contact with the animal, furthermore stopping these “tiger-selfies.”

DVC student Ariana Westbrook shared her thoughts about Tinder’s controversy.

“I think when you sign up for apps like that, you know what you are getting yourself into; it’s your choice.” she said.

Student Jessica Rudd had similar feelings toward the matchmaking app.

“If people start to get crazy and start stalking you, you could always just delete the app,” she said.

San Francisco State student Marina Lopez is very fond of Tinder and has been on numerous dates off of the app. One of her dates even resulted in a relationship that lasted for a few months. Lopez said they eventually broke up and she went back to use the app strictly for hooking up.

“One time I coincidentally hooked up with guys that were roommates and I continued having sex with both of them without them knowing about each other,” she said.

Some concerns for the app aren’t about the safety, but the idea that this generation doesn’t know how to socialize anymore. Francisco Hurtado, a DVC student, has never even heard of Tinder before but doesn’t really like the idea.

“It takes out the whole social factor of meeting someone,” he said.

Others don’t really seemed to be bothered by Tinder. San Francisco State student Samantha Krome said apps like tinder are “less than formal” for dating, but for the purpose of casually meeting up with people, Tinder seems to function pretty well.

Tinder may not be for everyone, but one thing is certain, it is the start for a whole new world of dating.