Ever have one of those first dates thats ripe with “same!” exclamations as you explore every topic, finding common ground? Chances are good you felt that chemistry because you both pick onions off your hamburgers or neither of you like all-inclusive resorts for a vacation. How come? According to research, its more likely that youll feel a stronger connection to someone based on the things you dont like as opposed to the things you do. Thats why Hater was created: a dating app that, as the name suggests, connects singles to other solo-flyers who dislike the same activities, foods, celebrities — you name it. While the app is still relatively new, coming up on its first release anniversary, Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban invested $200,000 in the idea since it quickly picked up steam with more than 20,000 members in just a few weeks. Today, the member count is unknown, but reported to be high, since, hey, chatting about what bugs you is a common, enjoyable pastime.
What sets this particular download apart, though, is there are two ways to swipe. In fact, the premise of the app is to be vocal about your opinions — regardless if you are anti-President Trump or could care less about fro-yo; the more you express what makes your blood boil, the better matches youll reap. Once youve had your fill of scrolling through possible things that could incite anger, you can then swap your efforts toward other users. When you go through profiles, youll not only see their candid — and likely sarcastic — images, but you can see every hate theyve “swiped right” on, providing an easy, no-brainer way to strike up a conversation. As far as new, trendy dating apps go, this one is definitely worth a try, considering its been steadily growing more than other competitors. Plus, it might even be a dose of fun (and, well, hope and humor) you need when youre waiting in line at Starbucks or pushing your way through a boring meeting.
IN-DEPTH
So, youre finished with the Tinders, the Bumbles and the Hinges woosa gratis app of the world, and you want to really shake up your game. Downloading Hater will provide a vastly different perspective, since the matching and profile-building process stands out from the pack. From what to expect when you get started swipin and hatin to the best advice on striking up an effective conversation with this new pool of eligibles, heres what you need to know:
Sign-Up Process
Available on iTunes, Android and Google Play, Hater is compatible with pretty much any device. Much like any other dating apps you can scroll through, you can either sign up with your Facebook account or your phone number. From here, youll fill out very basic info (read: nadda). Because the algorithm of the app is narrowly focused on mutual dissatisfaction, you know very little about potential matches other than the foods they wont eat, the celebs they refuse to hear about and the events they likely wont attend. Though Hater does allow you to select your sexual preferences, the age range youd like to dabble in, and how far youre willing to travel to have a venting-sesh first date, the rest of your info is unknown.
Once the upside down heart has finished loading, youre invited to start pedaling your way through topics, giving you the option to swipe right on subjects that dont bother you and left on ones that do. Feel neutral? Just tap in the middle to skip over a question. Whats interesting about this sign-up step is that Hater reveals the percentage of people who agree with you, letting you know if your distaste is rare or common.
Members/Interactions
Ready to see who is out there, waiting to share in your annoyances? You can scroll over to users where you can see what percentage of “hates” you share with them. Though youll know their age and their location, the rest is up to you to determine. Hater does allow you to message users, though only if youre a mutual match, and it sets daily limits on the number of messages you can send. They even provide funny and pointed prompts based on the items youve hated, making conversation openers that much easier.
Consider yourself warned, though, there is one common complaint that most Hater users share: not enough information. While, sure, knowing that you likely shouldnt bring up certain topics or suggest specific cuisines is a benefit going into a first date, singles want to know more about who they are going out with. Since Hater doesnt provide an area to write a biography, you go into many initial conversations completely blind, making it tough to build a connection.
Key Features
- Match with users based on your mutual dislikes.
- See how many “hates” you share with users, giving you a glimpse into their psyche
- Completely free
- Compatible on Android, iPhone and Google Play
- Growing user base
- Clever, witty and interesting prompts to begin messages International presence
Safety Security
Even if Hater has a more sarcastic approach in their mission statement, they take security seriously. As their Privacy Policy states, “When you use Hater, we automatically collect and store information about your computer or mobile device and your activities. We may collect information that can identify you including but not limited to your name, email address, mobile device ID number, your preferences, technical information about your computer and mobile device (“personal information”) and other information that does not identify you. We may collect this information through a website or a mobile application. By using the Service, you are authorizing us to gather, parse and retain data related to the provision of the Service. When you provide personal information through our Service, the information may be sent to servers located in the United States and countries around the world.” You can read more here.
