Swipe. Swipe. Swipe. The tell-tale sign that the person across from you on the bus is flicking through Tinder on their phone, as they work their way through a list of potential guys or girls.

The app has revolutionised online dating since its release in late 2012. It’s a quick and easy way to find matches for potential dates, without having to deal with endless messages from guys or girls you have no interest in. Swipe right if you like the look of someone, swipe left if you don’t. Easy.

In my own group of friends, we’ve all gone on a handful of dates through Tinder, but there’s been no real developments, which makes me wonder, is there any real value to ‘hot or not’ apps like this, aside from finding a quick one-night hook up?

Sure, Tinder is a great way to meet new people that you find attractive, but how many of us actually ever choose our relationships based on looks alone? When meeting someone for the first time, either there is a connection or there isn’t, and that’s generally less to do with how good-looking someone is and more to do with how much you click. Tinder might be a great way to get into the dating scene, but it’s still no replacement for finding chemistry with someone during a great conversation.

The app does allow you to message anyone you’ve matched with, but it’s usually the same conversation over and over again – where are you living, do you use Tinder much, what do you work as… boring. Give me a real-life first meeting any day.

If you’re tired of deciding who’s hot and who’s not every time you log in, you might get a kick out of Willow, a new app designed to put personality first.

Like Tinder, the app allows you to connect with other users in your area. Unlike Tinder, all pictures are hidden from view – at least until you get to know your new match a little better.

Willow allows you to ask three questions to any other user. If he/she chooses to answer all three, both of you can reveal your photos. Though I haven’t downloaded it yet, for me it sounds like a far more natural and organic way to get to know someone. If their answers give you a laugh, or make you think, perhaps this person is worth following up with. And if you find them attractive, all the better!

While nothing can really beat meeting someone new in person, apps like Tinder and Willow still have a very strong place in the modern dating scene. Just make sure you get out and about once in a while, too.