After noticing the overwhelming amount of articles on my social media feeds about Tinder, I started to wonder what the online dating world was really like. Not because I was interested in joining in on the culture, I was just curious. I started reading those articles as they popped up, and did a little research of my own. What I found was not what I expected, so I had the brilliant idea of spreading this knowledge that I gained in a boredom-induced study that spanned about three weeks.

First things first, these things are just like Russian Roulette, except the bullets are replaced with other humans and your head is replaced with your heart.

None of these dating apps have your best interest in mind. All the app itself wants to do is increase the number of matches you have. The more matches you have, the more time you spend on the app. The more time you spend on the app, the more likely you are to upgrade to a paid membership, pay after the free trial, or rack the company up some bucks by seeing more ads.

That's the bitter truth. Even though you matched with that cute guy that also enjoys long walks to the beach and has a husky, it doesn't mean that you are compatible in literally any other way.

Tinder. Tinder doesn't have an algorithm at all. It was intended to be a hook-up app, but as time went on, it became a source of finding a serious relationship. While the cute, witty bios and pictures with puppies may seem appealing, you have no idea what you're signing up for when you swipe right, or what you're missing when you swipe left. Just because you are looking for a serious situation doesn't mean that your match is, and vice versa.

While Tinder may be fun, and it may kick some of your loneliness away during the season of "making it official", it isn't safe (for your mental, emotional, or sexual health). Although I know multiple people that are in serious relationships with people that they never knew before the right swipes, it shouldn't be your only form of "getting on the scene again".

I have one friend that matched with an old friend on Tinder, and a year later they ended up married and expecting. At the same time, I have heard so many horror stories about Tinder dates that make me cringe. I strongly advise against using this hook-up app as a means to find your husband or wife.

Side note: Everyone is extremely basic with their profile. There will be dogs, height, how many beers you drank that one night, "tatted", "420 friendly", and "looking for someone to have fun with" with every swipe, I swear.

Match.com and eHarmony: So, you wanna have something real? Like, really, really real? Try these! But, here's a heads up: you don't want to find someone who is a clone of yourself. Of course, you want to have the same core values. You don't want to find your twin, however.

These apps typically do just that. You'll be matched with someone who is just like you if both of your profiles are detailed. Spice things up in your life and date the guy who hasn't seen every episode of "Orange Is The New Black" and doesn't like Jane Austen. Maybe you can open his eyes to a new world, or maybe you can enjoy your hobbies while he enjoys his.

Love isn't about how similar you are, and the uncanny amount of similarities you have with Jake, the IT guy, may be a death sentence to your potential relationship.

Side note: If your profile isn't filled out to the max, you'll be randomly matched with people who you'd have no interest in.

Farmer's Only, and other specialized apps: These really are the way to go! Specialized dating apps seem silly, but they really do work. Like farming? Type in a few minor details and bam! You're married to a cowgirl. Love your faith? Type in some scripture, and bam! You have a holy wedding on the books!

Basically, any serious criteria you have for your future partner has its own dating site. Anything from your political views, your age, your religion, race, hobbies, career, etc. has a place to mingle. These make the most sense to me, and many others, because they don't have a crazy algorithm or a mindless swiping feature.

You will have some core ideas/values/hobbies in common, but they won't be your clone. If you're considering entering the online realm of dating, and you want something legit, easy, and meaningful, find the app that's tailored to you!

In conclusion...

All dating apps produce amazing marriages and terrible relationships alike. While these platforms may seem like the "easy way", they'll consume you or disappoint you. Old-school dating (you know, where you actually meet someone in person and do in-person activities with them) will always take home the trophy.

Online dating will make you extraordinarily egotistic and picky. It isn't good for your mental health after being used religiously for an extended period of time. However, you may find your soul-mate online. Do whatever your heart tells you to do, Lover Boy. Just play it smart.