The matchmaker: Tinder’s co-founder on how he uses the app

Image: Vogue archive

• 03 rd Feb 2014

Yes, he dated a girl he met on Tinder.

If you don’t already know what Tinder is, ask a single friend. If you are single, you’re probably on it or know someone who is. One guy who is definitely on Tinder is Justin Mateen, the app’s co-founder and chief marketing officer. But since he’s based in L.A. (and therefore not within Tinder’s search radius from Australia) Vogue had to chat to him the old-fashioned way, over email. 

What is your personal experience of using Tinder?
Tinder has become a daily habit for me and I use it to for all kinds of purposes. I actually dated a girl that I matched with on Tinder. I knew her before Tinder, but Tinder provided us with a different context to get to know one another at a deeper level.

Why do you think Tinder has been so popular?
As humans we have an innate need and desire to meet new people and Tinder satisfies that need in a very simple way. 

In what way do you think Tinder has changed the dating landscape?
Tinder is more of a social discovery platform that emulates real world human interaction. People no longer need to go to a bar to search for people they connect with. You can now meet people on Tinder and then get to know them better in a social setting. 

How do men and women use Tinder differently, if at all?
Overall, women seem to be a little more selective.

How do Australian Tinder users use the app differently to their American counterparts?
There are cultural differences in every major region, but over time people are taking the product more and more seriously. Celebrities in Australia are now using Tinder because they realise they have complete control over who they speak to, which is a luxury they don’t have when they walk into a coffee shop. 

How do you see Tinder evolving in the future?
Tinder will become the most effective way to meet people, whether that’s in the context of friendship, dating, or even business. 

What other apps do you use?
I use Instagram, Uber, and several Bitcoin apps. 

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The Miss Vogue guide to Tinder

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