October 26, 2014
Tips and Tricks from the Gen-Y Tech Guy
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Undoubtedly, in the current age of technology, social networking has redefined the cultural norm in which we interact and socialize with our peers. The culture has been over inundated by the latest status updates of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and which guy or gal is in proximity on favorite cruising app. At times we can be overwhelmed by information overload. Where to begin? How do I begin?
In this new column I look to help inform readers to easily navigate through the prodigious amount of technological content available on the market and how to integrate the use of technological to suite your daily needs.
Beyond Grindr - 5 Social Networking Apps to Get Started
If you are a smart phone user than you may or may not be familiar with the profusion of LGBT social networking apps that flood the phone's application market. If you never used Grindr, it revolutionized the way men are meeting depleting the need for traditional gay social outlets such as bars. The app works by accessing your smart phones Global Positioning System (GPS) in order to determine where are other men are located to you within your proximity. The app has opened the door to a number of other developers who have created smartphone apps to reach a variety of sub-cultures within the community.
Here are just a few others:
Woof! If you are looking for a mans man look no further. The popular alternative to Grindr provides men matching characterized by preference. From college boy to daddy bear, Scruff has a little something for everyone.
Mister is an app that has derived from the popular website DaddyHunt.com . Just as the name implies it provides a niche market for older men seeking younger and vice versa. Yet since other popular social networking apps have began to integrate this preference, the shop is looking quite empty.
Jack'D uses a featured called Scenes. Six scenes that fit just about every gay man. From twinks, bears, big muscles, strictly friends, long term relationship to Bi/Straight Curious. Jack'D remains a favorite in my book as it provides more of an alternative beyond hooking up. If you are looking for the possibility of G-Rated conversation, check out Jack'D.
I can't tell you from personal experience the mechanics of Dattch but it has earned its star rating based on the fact that the market for lesbian dating app was non-existent till DATTCH founder Robyn Exton integrated a system exclusively for women. As Robyn states "We are designed to help all the dyke, queer, gay, lesbian, bisexual and bi-curious to go out there and connect with each other"
Tinder has been called the "GrindR of the Hetro world," yet little to people know, the popular social media app is also built with gay and lesbian feature. What Tinder provides versus other apps on the market is a reduced tone in sexually explicit. If you are looking to just meet, tinder provides safe ground. What it lacks in the search functionality settings that other LGBT apps have mastered.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
