#1: How Tinder Matches You
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/15/18267772/tinder-elo-score-desirability-algorithm-how-works
Tinder is no doubt the number 1 used app when it comes to finding a significant other through online resources. We post photos, descriptions, and set preferences that affect our chances of the number of matches we get. Many people have used it but probably never had a chance to ask, how does Tinder match you? The article linked above mentions the use of an set of ELO scores that determine who you are matched with. If the ELO score is rated from a 1 to 10 scale and your score is a 5, you are likely to be matched with someone else who has a score ranging from a 4 to a 6. Your score is relative to the amount of swipe rights (liked) you get. It also raises some questions about how a person’s looks fuels highly rated people from talking from each other whereas lower scored people are left at the bottom of the pool. Tinder combats this by having features like Super Likes and Profile Boost that raises your chances of getting a match for a limited period of time.
This relates back to the classroom as we can visualize how the algorithm allocates users to match with others such as in a bipartite graph where (my example will be in one of a heterosexual relationship) males are on the left side and females on the right. The user ELO scores create a desirability where one individual will have more matches (edges) than that of others. Individuals may have one or matches to all partners (ideally). As most common relationships are formed into a one-on-one relationship, we can assume that not everyone will be able to be satisfied for perfect matching. Inevitably there will be constricted sets that form due to these restrictions. However, Tinder will try to ideally create an environment where there is perfect matching, hence the reasoning for their features mentioned above.