Tinder is currently one of the leading dating apps with an estimated 50 million users. It allows users to create new connections with the community around them that would’ve been impossible otherwise. Tinder is empowering but can also be frightening if not used correctly. Wondering where to begin? This guide will not only make sure you use Tinder to your benefit, but will also help you stay safe while doing so.

Tinder is unique because you can choose whom you want to interact with. You can increase your chances for finding your ideal partner by narrowing your preferences for their gender, age range, distance from your location, etc. Tinder is simple to navigate. You swipe right if you like a person’s profile and vice versa. If two people swipe right on each other then they will match. Once you’re matched with someone, you can directly message and get to know them. Messaging your matches will increase your likelihood of going on dates and hanging out. If you realize that you’re not interested after you matched with them, fear not, because there is always the option of removing them from your match list.

Profile is key: your picture and biography are important because that’s all other users see before making a snap judgement to swipe right or left. You can add up to 10 photos on your profile and choose the order that they’re displayed in. The first picture should be a high-quality picture of you that captures what you really look like. Photos with friends should be limited to a couple because peoples are going to have a hard time determining which one is you.

Your bio can make or break the swipe. A bad bio can turn people off and make them change their mind to swipe left instantly. There have been situations where someone is about to swipe right based on pictures, but a quick glance at the bio made them change their mind. A good bio is cute and quirky with a touch of humor. If you don’t know what to write, it’s okay to keep your bio blank.

A good bio might look like…

“First thing I’m going to notice about you is your eyes and smile, just saying.”

“My name is (name), I love meeting new people and I’m a huge fan of…”

A bad bio might look like…

“Hi, I’m smart, rich and funny.”

Your bio should show through examples instead of tell.

There are some extra features on Tinder including the “super like” and upgrading to Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold. Users get one “super like” daily, which they get to use on someone they are highly interested in. That person will see that you have “super liked” them, bringing more attention to your profile and making it more likely for them to swipe right.

With Tinder Plus at $9.99 a month, you can rewind to your previous swipe, get five daily “super likes,” and swipe on users in overseas locations. Tinder Gold is $14.99 a month and includes all the Tinder Plus features with the perk of being able to see who liked you. With this feature, your pending matches are basically being brought to you on a platter.

Tinder may almost feel like a game at times, but people have started long-term relationships and marriages after meeting on the app. It is important to keep in mind that you are interacting with real people which can come with possible dangers. Although Tinder is mostly safe, with the majority of users possessing similar, non-harmful intentions, there are still a number of catfishers and stalkers. Don’t give out personal information right away; Giving away personal information to the wrong people can compromise your safety. Check their social media and/or video call them to ensure that they are someone you want to encounter before taking the leap to meet them in real life. Unfortunately, there have been one or two Tinder murders in the past, so always think twice about your actions and be alert with who you are interacting with. Check out some of the stories here.

Making the jump from the cyber world to the real world can be a slippery slope. If used cautiously, Tinder is a great way to meet people around you and expand your network. It’s a great confidence booster. Just follow the tips above and get to swiping.