Are you sure you want to download “Tinder?” I second guessed myself as I clicked ‘yes’ and watched the download of the application on my phone.

Has my life really come to this — relying on an app on my phone to find a “partner”? I guess everyone my age can relate; not everyone is looking to be committed at the moment. It is discouraging and sad. I am not embarrassed to say that I am a hopeless romantic. I know a fairy tale ending will not happen, but I am not afraid to admit that I care and that I try to make things work.

For those of you who do not know what Tinder is, it is a smartphone application (iOS and Android) that is very popular in the college community. It is super simple; that is why it is the most used dating app today.

After downloading the application, step two is signing in with your Facebook account. Tinder then displays your first name, age and your most recent profile picture. All you really have to do is put a bio and set a distance and age preference of potential mates, that is if you wish to do so. After that, all you need to do is swipe left on the screen to “dislike” a person or swipe right to “like” them. I know what you are thinking, pretty harsh huh?

I have not met up with any of my Tinder matches, I think it is a little nerve racking, and to be honest, you can’t trust just anyone because you share similar interests.

Tinder just recently added a feature that lets you can swipe up to “super like” someone…as if using this app was not belittling enough.

Once you have “liked” someone and they have “liked” you back, a huge bold font jumps at you on the screen that screams, “it’s a match!” and you are then led to a chat box where you can privately message this person you “like.” It automatically opens a chat box, but you don’t have to chat at all if you choose not to.

I have a friend who recently moved across the country for a guy she met on Tinder. I could not believe it when she told me she was moving to Iowa less than two months after they connected, but as long as she is happy, I am happy for her.

Sadly, she stopped talking to her friends, myself included, and I haven’t heard from her.

Dating is difficult. I am pretty sure a lot of people my age can relate. I am 21, but I am also working part-time, going to school part-time, trying to find time to hang out with my friends, but more importantly, trying to get at least five hours of sleep each night. Dating is the least of my worries right now.

Ask yourself what I ask myself all the time: are dating apps worth it? Is it possible to find “the one” over the web? Do I even have time for “the one” right now?

Tell yourself what I tell myself all the time: do not lose hope; have heart; focus on yourself and your goals. The right person will be attracted to what you are actually doing with your life, not what it looks like online.

Let’s all click “delete profile” soon. Let’s get out there and enjoy life, accomplish our goals. Let’s find our partner by chance, and not by design.