Tinder Takes India

This Forbes article, titled Tinder Helps Fuel a Social Revolution in India discusses the rise of the digital dating app, Tinder, in India in the past year.  India is a country with a strong history and tradition of arranged marriage, that remains a major part of its culture today.  Thus, when Tinder spread to India, many women initially felt embarrassed to be active on the app.  However, as the year has progressed, Tinder has become a major part of the millennial dating culture in India.  Consequently, that has led to what author, Don Groves, is referring to as, a “social revolution,” leading to a decrease in arranged marriages.  In fact, Tinder has spread so widely throughout India that it is now Tinder’s top market in Asia, according to Groves.  

The influence smartphones and media can have on a culture are remarkable.  Tinder is an app that has spread widely amongst countries around the world, despite its mixed reviews of diminishing a person into a mere photograph of worth, as opposed to their whole package of individuality.  However, many also argue that Tinder has drastically increased the dating pool and opportunities for countless individuals to find love and companionship.  

I think it is essential to note the significance of breaking cultural boundaries through the media, in reference to dating apps such as Tinder.  It simply goes to show the strong influence any form of media, advertisement, and possibility for companionship can have on young adults, as this is Tinder’s largest demographic.  I do, however, think the media surrounding Tinder has had a positive affect on women in India who may have not wanted to abide by the cultural expectation of arranged marriage and now have had the introduction to different options and possible love interests through an alternative means.