【2014 Archives】

Dating apps: they don't014 Archivesto be for dating.

People are always complaining that dating apps haven't helped them find anyone worth dating. So, why are we only using them for dating? If we started using them for other things, dating apps could reach their full potential.

SEE ALSO: I asked my colleagues to take over my online love life

To help get things started, we put together these potential benefits of dating apps and would like to recommend them to marketing teams for dating apps everywhere. 

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Screw dating.

1. Networking

 Credit: Getty Images

Focus on swiping right on people in your career field, and then ask them all about their jobs. It'll sound like you're interested in hearing about their lives, but you’ll actually just be trying to get professional advice. 

2. A/C Installation

Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Find a guy on Bumble with a mirror picture of his muscular body. Challenge him to the physical fitness challenge of a lifetime — right in your apartment, installing your air conditioner.

3. Medical Opinions

Credit: Getty Images/PhotoAlto

You want variation in your photos on dating apps — so mix them up with a picture of that rash on your back. Hopefully you’ll match with a dermatologist that can help.

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4. Audience Fillers

Credit: Getty Images

Do you have an improv show coming up? Check Happn to see who you've crossed paths with near the theatre, and invite a select 50 local potential mates to come see your show. They may think they're showing up for a date, but at least you'll have a full audience for your show.

5. Free Uber Rides

Credit: BuzzFoto via Getty Images

Build up an army of matches who live in neighborhoods you like to go to. Then when your friends are meeting up, tell your match who lives near the bar, "I'll come over if you order me an Uber." When you get out of the car, simply unmatch your virtual benefactor and then walk to the bar just a few blocks away.

6. Essay Editing

Credit: Getty Images

Sometimes when people have bad grammar in their Tinder profiles, their nicer matches will point it out to them. So if you're working on an essay, a cover letter or an "I won" email to your ex, just paste the whole thing into your bio. At some point, one of your matches is bound to point out any errors.

7. Information Gathering on Mutual Friends

Credit: Getty Images

There's something up with Craig "two lunch breaks everyday" Bennett from work, and you're going to get to the bottom of it. The dating app Hinge connects you with people with whom you have mutual Facebook friends. Keep on swipin' until you find someone who knows Craig. Subtly bring him up and get the scoop — you'll be the office hero.

8. Party Catering

Credit: Getty Images

So, you've decided to throw a last minute party tonight. Why should you pay for food and drinks? Invite all the people on OkCupid who claim to be "foodies" and "craft beer aficionados" to the party, and request something specific for everyone to bring. All your lonely friends will be happy to have a bunch of singles there, but they'll be even happier to have free food and beer.

So don't rule out dating apps just yet. They have so many possibilities just waiting to be unlocked.

Also, I'm looking for a job in tech marketing and I need my A/C installed. Anyone?

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

BONUS: Dating apps are getting overwhelming

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