Purpose: Lex, a queer dating app that launched in November 2019, is taking superficiality head-on by making its network completely text based. The app started with @personals, an Instagram page where people could post old-school personal ads. It was live for two years, and after seeing its success, the founder, Kell Rakowski, decided to turn it into its own app. Lex's personal statement welcomes you to the app when you first download it, reiterating that it's a space for queer people to find love and friends. You fill out personal information, including your pronouns, and then you can start browsing.
Pros: In addition to personal ads, there are also "missed connections" you can browse. You can also use the app to explore local LGBTQ+ events and groups of people with shared interests in your area. The app also offers unlimited scrolling and allows you to filter people based on likes and dislikes.
Cons: At first, the lo-fi design and the complete lack of pictures does throw you off. The connections built on this app are meant to be authentic and intimate since it takes a words-only approach. However, it can be a nice change of pace to switch things up and try something new, in contrast to apps that put a lot of emphasis on pictures.
