Free markets make us richer, but they also make us happier.
Online apps have changed the way our society approaches dating, almost eliminating some common dating problems. We can weed out the people we want to avoid and filter individuals based on their interests, education level, and even their looks.
This makes dating more efficient and fun -- and it’s all thanks to capitalism!
Hi everyone, I’m Kristin Tate, author of Government Gone Wild and analyst for Capitalism.com.
Have you ever used the dating app Tinder? If you’re under 30-years-old and said No, you’re probably lying.
Social apps have changed all of our lives. Thanks to apps like Tinder, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, I’ve met and connected with many diverse and interesting people. My old roommate and I had our first conversation on Twitter; one of my longest romantic relationships was with someone I met on Facebook; I am able to keep up with the daily lives of my friends who live across the country on Snapchat; and I have Tinder to thank for some of the most hilarious cocktail party stories of my life.
Datings apps have become a normal part of many Americans’ lives. This was only made more clear when Match Group, the parent company of dating apps like Tinder and OkCupid, went public in November. Match Group's market cap is currently $3.3 billion.
Let’s face it: when it comes to dating, everyone has different goals. Some people are looking for a life partner; others are looking for one night stands; others are looking for people of certain sexual preferences or religious affiliations.
Most people are already aware of the most popular dating apps — like The League, Tinder, OkCupid, and Coffee Meets Bagel. But now, thanks to the free market, we can all take advantage of niche dating apps too.
Like Bristlr, the app for bearded men and the people who want to date them. (Yes, that’s a real thing.) Or Farmers Only, the dating app for farmers and ranch hands. And then there’s 3nder, which is Tinder for threesomes.
Profit-driven apps have allowed us to pursue exactly the kind of relationships we want in a relatively safe and easy way.
Of course, for many people, meeting up for a rendezvous with a stranger means putting their safety, and possibly their sanity, at risk.
But fear not, capitalism has produced a solution to keep us safe in new situations!
Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft allow those who find themselves on a date with a less-than-charming partner to be just a “tap” away from liberation.
We’ve all had awkward first dates, but sometimes meeting up with a complete stranger can take a dangerous turn. Thankfully, the ride-sharing industry allows you have have nearly full control. From the moment passengers enter their Uber or Lyft, they are tracked via GPS. For those particularly apprehensive about their situation, their real-time location can be shared with whomever they choose.
Unfortunately, some politicians have tried to squash the ride-sharing industry by forcing burdensome regulations on to companies like Lyft and Uber. Uber has already been run out of town in Austin, Texas. Some politicians would rather appease their union campaign backers than allow we the people to harness the efficiency and power of new technology.
Here’s the bottom line: Profit incentives have led to the creation of countless innovative apps that allow us to have more control of our personal lives. The app creators make money and we are able to reap the benefits from their creations. It’s win-win.
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MORE VIDEOS FROM KRISTIN TATE ON CAPTIALISM.COM:
• How Government Wastes Your Tax Dollars Trying to Collect Student Loan Debt
• Is Government Regulation of Butter for Safety or to Destroy Competition?
• How to Solve the Skilled Labor Shortage Problem
