And do you see potentially new social networks platforms being delivered as mobile apps in the future as well?
EDIT: another possibly related question: We know that huge userbases by themselves are valuable. Is it possible that mobile userbases are for some reason more valuable (more data mining potential?) than web userbases (assuming the same demographics)?
1) Tinder was initially released in 2012. The javascript ecosystem has changed immensely in the past 4 years.
2) If I re-open a URL in google chrome on my iphone, I have to wait for the page to refresh. With an app, I don't.
3) The program model expressed by the CSS+HTML API is so complex that after 10 years, I have given up trying learn a mental model of it which can accurately predict reality. I have accepted that web interface development involves a great deal of guess-and-check. Apparently the APIs exposed by the Android and iPhone are much more coherently designed.
4) To open a webpage, you first have to click an icon to open a browser, then type in the first few characters of a URL. To open an app, you just have to click an icon. That makes it easier for someone to get into the habit of checking your app.
(If you can point out ways in which #2, #3 #4 are false, I would love to hear them. However, that won't weaken my argument because OP isn't asking about reality but rather is asking about the perceptions of the Tinder team.)
Device and app history
Identity
Location
Photos
Media
Files
Camera access
WiFi info
Device ID
Call information
The above makes it far easier to productize you.
I think DrScump said it well with the device stuff. It is also extremely satisfying to swipe in the app. As well as the literally always in your pocket aspect. An app goes on your homescreen as well, so it is in your face as well, kinda.