With respect, that is easy to say when ~50% of the population is a potential partner and is easily determinable. When you are gay and the majority of guys are straight, finding partners organically is near impossible (unless you're in a gay bar or something).
I'm not condoning Grindr's actions or that people shouldn't use it with care, but it really has become a key part of LGBT networking in the modern era.
I think it depends on where you are, the city I live in has a very large gay scene. So I've had guys just try to chat me up while I'm at a restaurant or something, I don't mind.
The only time it was a bit weird is when a co-worker told me I look like his husband, not okay to say at work.
Arguing that guys shouldn't use grindr because it puts them in danger and then saying they should chat people up in real life seems bizarre to me. Even in my fairly liberal western country assuming a random guy in a normal bar is gay could put me at risk. Why take that chance when apps full of gay guys exist?
As you just said, it is not easy for people to meet people in a culture where looks and small talk with romantic intent is frowned upon, puts peoples jobs in danger and is generally already going extinct. Plus grindr is used for hookups, and it makes it a lot easier, something that does not have a safe equivalent in real life.
I wasn’t there so I wouldn’t know the tone and context, which can make a difference but... In general, how’s that problematic?
Also, strangers talking to you does not mean they’re sexually or romantically interested in you. Some people are just platonically social. Moreso in some places than others.
I'm not condoning Grindr's actions or that people shouldn't use it with care, but it really has become a key part of LGBT networking in the modern era.