While the dating app Tinder offers a convenient way to connect with potential partners, it also presents users with a dilemma between anonymity and authenticity when it comes to their profile settings. On one hand, users may want to retain some level of privacy by using a fake name or displaying only limited information on their profile. However, this can lead to doubts about the genuineness of the person behind the screen.
-
Sexy singles nearby, waiting
-
Great for mobile users
-
Meet real people for sex
-
Zero upgrade fees
-
Live out your fantasies
-
59.3k+ users online now
-
Fun and fast sex hookups
-
Never miss a chat moment
-
Easy, fast sex - no waiting
-
28.2k+ members online now
-
Explore all kinds of pleasure
-
Free chat access
-
Flirt and explore safely
-
98.5k+ members online now
-
Real people, real pleasure
-
Users online today: 89,464+
-
One night stands nearby
-
Optimized for mobile screens
Anonymity vs Authenticity: What Does It Mean?
Before diving into the specific profile settings on each app, let’s first define what anonymity and authenticity mean within the context of a dating app like Tinder.
Anonymity refers to the state of being unknown or unidentifiable. On Tinder, setting your profile to anonymous means that you have not shared your real name or any personally identifying information (such as your workplace or school) on your profile. This provides a level of privacy for users who may not want others to know too much about them right away.
On the other hand, authenticity refers to being genuine and honest about yourself on your profile. Using your real name and displaying accurate photos rather than heavily edited ones falls under authenticity. Being authentic can help build trust between potential matches and increase the chances of forming meaningful connections.
Now that we have established definitions for these two concepts, let’s take a closer look at how they play out on different dating apps.
Tinder: The First of Its Kind
Tinder was launched in 2012 and has quickly become one of the most popular dating apps on the market. It uses a simple swiping system to connect users with potential matches, making it easy for anyone to use.
Pros:
- Allows users to set their profiles to anonymous or authentic mode.
- Large user base, increasing chances of finding compatible matches.
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
Cons:
- The swipe-based matching system can lead to superficial connections.
- Limited profile customization options compared to other dating apps.
Tinder’s Profile Settings
Tinder offers two main profile settings – ‘Show my distance’ and ‘Share my feed. ‘ The first setting allows users to choose whether they want others to see how far away they are from each other geographically. This is useful for those who may not want their exact location revealed.
The second setting, ‘Share my feed,’ determines whether your activity on Tinder will be shared with your Facebook friends. If you have linked your Facebook account to Tinder, enabling this option means that any updates or changes made on Tinder will also be visible on your Facebook newsfeed. While this can help increase visibility and potentially lead to more matches, some may prefer to keep their online dating life private from their social media circles.
Tinder also offers the option to link an Instagram account to your profile for more authenticity. This allows users to showcase more about themselves through photos and posts from their Instagram feeds.
AdultFriendFinder: For Casual Connections
AdultFriendFinder (AFF) caters specifically to adults looking for casual hookups rather than long-term relationships. It boasts over 80 million members worldwide and has been around since 1996.
Pros:
- Allows users to set their profiles to anonymous or authentic mode.
- Huge user base, increasing chances of finding potential matches.
- Offers a variety of communication tools such as live webcams and private messaging.
Cons:
- The focus on casual encounters may not appeal to everyone.
- The website interface can be overwhelming for some users.
AFF’s Profile Settings
One of the unique features that AFF offers is its ‘Purity Test. ‘ This test asks a series of questions about sexual experiences and preferences, giving others an idea of what you are looking for on the app. And the best part is, you can find goth girls near you who are just as eager to hookup and explore their wild side. You can also choose whether this test is visible on your profile or kept private. There is a world of possibilities for women seeking casual sex, and Sherman Meloni has all the tips and tricks to help you find your perfect match.
AFF also allows users to set their profiles to either anonymous or public mode. In anonymous mode, only basic information such as age and location will be displayed, while in public mode, more personal details like photos and interests will be visible.
For those who want even more anonymity, AFF offers an option called ‘No Strings Attached’ which hides your profile from search results entirely. This feature can be useful for those looking for discreet encounters without being easily found by others.
BeNaughty: Spicing Things Up
BeNaughty has been around since 2005 and prides itself on being a platform for singles and couples looking to spice up their love lives with fun and flirty interactions.
Pros:
- Focused on casual dating rather than long-term relationships.
- User-friendly interface with easy navigation.
- Allows users to set their profiles to anonymous or authentic mode.
Cons:
- Some may find the platform too sexually explicit or aggressive.
- Limited free features, requiring users to upgrade to a paid membership for full access.
BeNaughty’s Profile Settings
BeNaughty offers two main profile settings – ‘Invisible Mode’ and ‘Full Access’ mode. The first allows users to browse profiles without being seen by others, which can be useful for those who value their privacy. The second option gives users access to all features on the app, including unlimited messaging.
Like other apps on this list, BeNaughty also has an anonymous mode that hides personal information from your profile unless you choose to reveal it. There is an option to blur or crop photos to maintain anonymity while still showcasing yourself in some way.
OneNightFriend: For Quick Connections
As its name suggests, OneNightFriend (ONF) caters to individuals looking for casual encounters rather than long-term relationships. It has been around since 2014 and boasts over one million active members.
Pros:
- All basic features are free, with the option to upgrade for more advanced ones.
- User-friendly interface with easy navigation.
- The focus on casual hookups means less pressure for serious commitments.
Cons:
- The emphasis on short-term connections may not appeal to everyone.
- Limited search options compared to other dating apps.
ONF’s Profile Settings
ONF offers three main profile settings – ‘Standard,’ ‘Racy,’ and ‘NSFW. ‘ Standard mode displays only basic information like age and location, while Racy mode reveals more personal details such as physical appearance and interests. NSFW mode, as the name suggests, showcases everything on your profile without any filters or restrictions.
In addition to these settings, ONF also has a ‘Flirtcast’ feature that allows users to send pre-written messages to multiple potential matches at once. This can be useful for those who are not sure what to say or want to increase their chances of connecting with someone.
Seeking: The Elite Dating App
Seeking (formerly known as SeekingArrangement) caters specifically to individuals seeking sugar relationships – where one partner provides financial support in exchange for companionship. It was launched in 2006 and has over 10 million members worldwide.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface and easy navigation.
- All basic features are free, with the option to upgrade for more advanced ones.
- Focused on elite dating rather than casual encounters.
Cons:
- The focus on financial arrangements may not appeal to everyone.
- Limited search options compared to other dating apps.
Seeking’s Profile Settings
Seeking offers two main profile settings – ‘Public Profile’ and ‘Private Showcase. ‘ Public profiles display all personal information, including photos, while Private Showcases only reveal information about your interests and expectations without any visuals. This setting is helpful for those who value privacy but still want to share some details about themselves.
Seeking allows users to create multiple private photo albums that can be shared with specific individuals. This adds an extra layer of security and control over who sees your photos.
ALT: For Alternative Connections
As its name suggests, ALT caters specifically to individuals looking for alternative connections such as BDSM or fetish encounters. It was launched in 1999 and boasts over two million active members worldwide.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface and easy navigation.
- Offers a variety of communication tools such as live webcams and private messaging.
- Gives a platform for individuals interested in alternative sexual experiences.
Cons:
- Limited search options compared to other dating apps.
- The focus on alternative connections may not appeal to everyone.
ALT’s Profile Settings
ALT offers two main profile settings – ‘Public’ and ‘Private. ‘ Public profiles display all personal information, while Private profiles only reveal basic details like age and location. Users can choose to hide their profiles from specific countries or regions for added privacy.
One unique feature that ALT offers is its option for members to verify themselves through ID or photo verification. This adds an extra layer of authenticity and trust among potential partners.
Anonymity vs Authenticity: Finding the Right Balance
It is essential to find the right balance between anonymity and authenticity when creating a profile on any dating app. While some may prefer to remain anonymous for safety reasons, being authentic can help build trust and connection with potential matches. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what feels comfortable for each individual.
With Tinder offering various levels of anonymity through its profile settings, it remains one of the most popular dating apps in 2025. However, other platforms like AdultFriendFinder, BeNaughty, OneNightFriend, Seeking, and ALT also offer unique features that cater to different needs and preferences.
No matter which app you choose, always prioritize your safety and comfort when using online dating platforms. By navigating the fine line between anonymity and authenticity carefully, you can increase your chances of finding meaningful connections while protecting your privacy.
AdultFriendFinder
✔️ Chat with horny girls
✔️ No Credit Card or Signup Needed
✔️ 10m+ members
BeNaughty
✔️ Zero bots and millions of members
✔️ Guaranteed sex
✔️ Best matchmaking
One Night Friend
✔️ Totally free registration
✔️ All profiles are verified, no fake accounts
✔️ Share naughty messages & pics
Seeking
✔️ Join for free
✔️ Over 45 million members worldwide
✔️ Perfect for sugar dating
ALT
✔️ Sign up for free
✔️ Share & explore kinky videos & photos
✔️ Explore members live fetish cams
How Can I Ensure My Anonymity While Using Tinder?
By using a pseudonym, limiting personal information on your profile, and being selective about who you match with, you can maintain anonymity on Tinder. Utilizing privacy settings and avoiding revealing photos can also help protect your identity. Remember, it’s important to prioritize your safety and comfort while using dating apps like Tinder.
Is It Possible to Use a Fake Name Or Identity on Tinder?
Yes, it is possible to be anonymous on Tinder by using a fake name or identity. However, Tinder’s terms of service state that users must use their real name and photos, so creating a completely fake profile goes against these guidelines. Some people choose to use only their first name or a nickname to maintain some level of anonymity on the app. From the top completely free Best Hookup Apps to the most popular paid options, the dating scene has seen a rise in online connections. It is up to the user’s discretion how much information they want to reveal about themselves on their Tinder profile.
Are There Any Features on Tinder That Allow for Anonymous Browsing and Messaging?
Yes, there are features on Tinder that allow for anonymous browsing and messaging. You can choose to hide your location, age, and distance from potential matches. You can create a username instead of using your real name. However, keep in mind that your profile picture will still be visible to others.