TechJunkie covers dating apps a little bit, and for good reason. With millions of users vying for attention, you need to know what you’re doing to have any success. With some of this success under our belts, we think it’s fair for us to help Tinder newbies get started. A common question we come across is about data sharing between Facebook, your phone, and Tinder. More specifically, does Tinder notify your contacts when you sign up?
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using a dating app, but most of us like to keep the two sides of our lives completely separate. This may be because we already have a significant other or we just want to keep friends and lovers separate. Whatever your reasons, you’re not alone in wanting to separate your friends and love life.
Because Tinder uses your Facebook account to gather information and improve your profile, it’s a major concern that your Tinder activity is getting back to your Facebook friends. Or by using Tinder on your phone, will your phone contacts be alerted about your Tinder membership or activity?
Does Tinder keep your contacts informed?
Tinder collects data to create your dating profile, but does not share it outside of Tinder. If you use your real Facebook account instead of a specially created account, Tinder won’t post to that account, advertise that you’re a member, or do anything on your page. It is the receiver, not the giver.
The reasons are logical. Tinder wants to attract as many users as possible, and telling all your Facebook friends that you’re using a dating app is not the way to do it. Whether you’re cheating, experimenting, or just playing on the court, Tinder doesn’t share your activity with anyone. The only people who can know you’re on Tinder are those who are also on Tinder and who you tell them to.
The same goes for your phone book. Tinder does not collect your contact list and does not send a message to everyone telling you that you are using Tinder. It doesn’t make sense to do this as people will never use the app.
If you’re still worried, you can now use Tinder without connecting to Facebook. A recent update now lets you use a phone number to verify your account. Given the way Facebook processes personal data, many people understandably don’t want to do anything with the social network anymore. Tinder reacted to this change of attitude by adding the option to create an account without Facebook.
Use Tinder without Facebook
The close ties between Facebook and Tinder were never very popular, but for a while it was the only way to use the app. Tinder searches for pictures on your Facebook profile and uses the most recent pictures on your profile. You had some control over which images were used, but you should always be mindful of what images you post on Facebook just in case Tinder gets it too.
Plus, with Cambridge Analytica and other data sharing vulnerabilities, it has become very clear that Facebook shares a lot more personal data than we thought.
Here’s how to use Tinder without Facebook:
- Go to the Tinder website.
- Select Sign in with phone number.
- Add your phone number to the box and select Next.
- An SMS code will be sent to your phone. Enter the box on the screen and press Continue.
- Fill out the profile form below.
The downside to using the phone method over Facebook is that you have to manually create your profile. The advantage of using the phone method is that you can create your profile manually. You can also add your own pictures and have full control over your dating profile. It does mean a little more work, but it also means you have full control and less worry about data sharing between Tinder and Facebook.
Creating your Tinder profile
Creating and swiping a Tinder profile can be exciting, but be patient. Create your profile properly and get some great quality images before making your profile live. Read guides on successful profiles and tips for writing your own. Use the best quality images and shoot some if you don’t. Tinder is all about looks, so you have to show your best to even just to take a look. Always remember that you have a picture of a puppy!
The more time and effort you put into your Tinder profile, the greater your chances of success. If you have someone you trust, have them check everything before posting your profile. It never hurts to have a second opinion!
Tinder doesn’t notify your contacts when you sign up, but if you want to ensure opt-out you can now use it without connecting to Facebook. This is a good move and I imagine a lot of people will use it, now they know how to do it!
