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A mobile phone app and website that lets gay men hook up.

Summary

Also known as "literal gaydar", Grindr is a mobile phone app that displays profiles of those within proximity of the user. Using a GPS functionality, a guy can see all the other Grindr users near him. It often leads to anonymous hookups and creepy IRL stalking.

After Grindr gained widespread adoption, many started using the app to troll their friends or strangers by posting trolly messages or tricking the other person into showing up somewhere. Much of the appeal of Grindr comes from the fact that it combines so many opportunities for voyeurism. Using the Grindr app means you can troll message someone through the internet-enabled device and then also troll them IRL at the same time. This combination is also part of what makes color so popular.

Many Grindr profiles are fake and contain fake info.

Additionally, because of the approximation data used by geolocation devices in mobile phones, Grindr users can often appear to be within feet of another user, even when alone in their own home.

Grindr gaming

There is an informal game that Grindr users play, or a prank that people play when their friends have the Grindr app.

To play the game, use your own troll Grindr profile or use the phone of a friend to message a local stranger. The way to win the game is to be able to receive inappropriate pictures of the stranger with the fewest messages or "moves". Whomever can say the least and get pictures first wins. A variation involves sending fake or troll pictures immediately and trying to get a reaction from the stranger.

Origins

Founded in March 2009 by a "geosocial" networking company called Nearby Buddy Finder. There are approximately 500,000 Grindr users in the US.

Current status

Very popular in the gay community and constantly being used for trolling of friends. Taking screenshots of the things seen on Grindr and posting them on Facebook or forums is a popular activity on the internet. Many try to find the strangest or hottest person in the area and post the results to the internet.

On January 20 2012, an Australian hacker gained access to all Grindr data and begin publishing profile pictures and private conversations on the web. The site was quickly removed by authorities as Grindr scrambled to release a patch.

Facts

Images

	A typical Grindr conversation.

Videos

Related Pages

Chatroulette

Color

IPhone

Omegle

External Links

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