Re: the app - don't stress too much about it. I'm guessing you'll get a massive amount of varied input from this board if/when you do decide to actively us a "dating" app to meet people. (Yes - I think "dating" needs to be in quotes - because the apps really have a wide and varied use, depending on who you ask :))
I imagine the use of the app feels almost like a game - a window into the possibilities, but you're not willing to shop yet. That's okay. From my perspective it really is OKAY to not respond to these inquiries. You'll hear different perspectives on this too. Some people think that apps should follow the same social rules as if you meet someone IRL. I tend to feel differently - that the technology is used precisely because it ISN'T yet personal, so there is flexibility - and a safety wall to hide behind. I tend to lean more towards the belief that different technologies should be used for different encounters and have different social norms. I would never ignore someone who gave me a polite "hello" in real life. Online? Yeah. I would. Because then they are literally in your HAND - they are in your HOME essentially. You do tread more carefully, and most folks know that online it is okay to not be your full authentic self yet.
On a related note - I went to download "Babbel" (a language app) to my phone over the weekend and almost downloaded "Bumble" (a dating app where women need to make the first move). Whoops! I caught myself in time but had a good laugh at the mental slip-up.
