SPOKANE, Wash. — Many singles in Spokane are turning to dating apps in hopes of finding long-term relationships. Maggie Ray, a local resident with experience using these platforms, said she believes Hinge is more geared towards serious connections compared to Tinder.
“I feel like with Hinge, you are finding people who are looking for long term relationships versus with Tinder. I’ve always heard, you know, it’s more of a one night stands for hookups, which is not a bad thing,” Ray said.
Despite her efforts, Ray has not yet found her special someone through dating apps.
“No horrible dates. There was just, no connections,” she said.
According to Hinge, the dating app sees a surge in users logging in during the first Sunday of January, as more people enter the dating pool.
Local barista Katie Casto has witnessed many first dates at the Spokane coffee house where she works. She expressed joy in seeing people connect.
“It makes me happy. People deserve to have good things in their lives and good people and show it when they find that and they have that connection, and then you can see it grow. It’s awesome,” Casto said.
Casto enjoys being part of these significant moments in people’s lives.
“That’s a lot of fun,” she said.
Ray acknowledged the diverse range of individuals she has encountered through dating apps.
“I think you can meet some good people along the way. I will also say, in the nicest way possible, you meet some characters as well,” she said.
Due to the uncertainty of meeting strangers, Ray has decided to pause her use of dating apps.
“As a woman in Spokane or as a woman in general, you are never certain you know who you’re meeting up,” Ray said.
However, she remains optimistic about finding a meaningful connection.
“I think it’s out there. I think it’s possible,” she said.
