Just when we thought we couldn’t possibly fit another online dating app onto the scene, a fresh one appears — but this time; for good reason.
Hello Tiger has been unleashed; an all new Australian dating app that aims to reinvent the way lovers interact in the wild world of digital dating by prioritising real connections, with real people, in real time. Apparently, it’s also catfish-proof.
Catfishing is one of the biggest downsides of the online dating world. Not only can it be emotionally damaging and have lasting mental health impacts, it can also be super dangerous.
“I can list off a fair few dating trends we’ve already seen champion the days of 2022, hardballing, hard launching, love bombing…” says Megan Luscombe, Hello Tiger Relationship Expert.
“Though rather unanimously, I feel there is one lingering trend we desperately wish to cancel — catfishing.”
She’s not wrong. Although it does make a juicy MTV show, there is truly nothing good about catfishing, and dating online without having to worry about it, sounds like a true luxury.
Cue; Hello Tiger.
How Does It Work?
Scrapping the swipe mechanism (hallelujah), there’s no need to craft a witty, polished profile for your fellow users to fawn over. It can feel like a zoo out there, locating ‘the one’, which is why Hello Tiger are helping cut to the chase and fast track that connection.
Once you’ve been matched, you engage in a 60-second video chat straight away, sussing out any chemistry from the get go.
How Does It Prevent Catfishing?
In a similar effort to completely eliminate fake profiles and photos, users will be prompted to update their picture weekly. Warning: this can’t be uploaded from your camera roll; you’ve got to snap a selfie on the spot.
We’re so used to relationships existing in the digital world, platonic, professional, or otherwise, in the way we consistently text, share photos, voice notes etc. With technology acting as a cushion or barrier it’s become far too easy and acceptable to manufacture your personal look and feel.
“We’ve come to crave the illusion, falling so fast for edited, filtered versions of the people we think we desire, instead of seeking that real connection in real time,” Luscombe explains.
This unique “real-time” feature, unlike any other app on the market, makes people more accountable, having to show up as their natural self.
“You can’t use a photo function to enhance or change a thing — giving the user the ability to truly see who they’re talking to and may potentially date long-term,” says Luscombe.
“I think it’s this feature alone that will help increase positive outcomes of the overall digital dating experience, because individuals will not only have confidence in what they’ve seen, but if they progress after their video call, they can have confidence in knowing the other person did too!”
Why Should You Try Another Dating App?
Online dating fatigue is a real thing, I know. But if you’re determined to get yourself some romance, or you’re looking for something extra in your life, it’s important to stay active and optimistic.
One of the biggest barriers of online dating, is the inability to connect with the person physically right away, which can make it hard to determine whether or not you find them attractive or if it could world long-term. Although it might be extra nerve-wracking to video with a stranger straight up, it’s worth cutting through those initial awkward moments to cut to the chase — saving a whole lot of time and protecting yourself from a potential catfish.
“The last two years have put a dampener on dating life, making intimacy and connection a little harder to come by between bouts of lockdown and even lack of travel. Let this serve as a humble reminder to not give up on dating apps just yet!” urges Luscombe.
“As someone who provides relationship counsel to couples and singles alike, I you to remember how fun it can be. It’s a great (and extremely easy) way to date. The fact that it’s on our phone makes it accessible whenever and wherever we want it, so there’s no excuse to say dating online is too laborious.”
You can get right to it and download Hello Tiger here.
Go get em’, Tiger.
