I’m not going to try to change your mind. Apps work for a lot of people, but they’re not for everyone. They’re especially bad, I would imagine, for people who like to get to know someone over time before starting a romantic relationship.

There are many single, non-student readers of this column who will tell you how lucky you are to be in school right now, because even though apps have swept your campus, you still get assigned to group projects. You’re still in a world where uncoupled people are out there making friends-with-potential. Yes, many undergrads are glued to their phones, but you have opportunities to interact with your peers. It is possible to meet someone that way. Apps have altered the dating landscape, but they haven’t stopped people from going to classes, jobs, and friends’ parties.

I will tell you that you seem 5 percent worried that you’re missing out on something you might like. It’s also worth acknowledging that in real life, we might choose to speak to a person we find physically attractive. Then we try to get more information about them. Then maybe there’s more. Apps aren’t so different; it’s just a lot of that at once.

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You could hop on an app – maybe try it in the presence of a friend – and then delete it if it feels wrong. No pressure, of course. But if you’re looking for confirmation that apps aren’t for you, there’s an easy way to find out.

– Meredith

Readers? Are apps necessary? Should the LW give one a try? How can the LW interact with more people IRL?