The world of dating has become increasingly complex, with many people turning to technology to find their perfect match. For some, the traditional methods of swiping through dating apps have become repetitive and unfulfilling. This is where AI-powered dating apps come in, promising to use advanced technology to find users their ideal partner.
As reported by The Guardian, a handful of tech entrepreneurs and brave individuals are exploring the potential of AI in the dating world. One such example is Fate, a London startup that bills itself as the first "agentic AI dating app". Fate uses an AI personality to onboard users, asking them about their hopes and struggles before putting forward five potential matches.
Jasmine, 28, was single for three years before downloading Fate. She found the traditional dating apps to be "repetitive" and was drawn to Fate's unique approach. "I thought, why not sign up, try something different? It sounded quite cool using, you know, agentic AI, which is where the world is going now, isn't it?", she said.
Fate's founder, Rakesh Naidu, demonstrated the app's coaching ability in an interview with the Guardian. The app's synthetic female voice provided Naidu with meaningful questions to ask potential matches, helping him to uncover their essence. Naidu started Fate to address the shortcomings of traditional dating platforms, which he believes monetize users' time and "are literally profiting off keeping people lonely".
Other startups, such as Sitch and Keeper, have also launched AI-powered dating apps, leveraging the technology to manage vast amounts of information and provide users with detailed feedback. However, not everyone is convinced that AI is the answer to finding love. Amelia Miller, a consultant for Match Group, which owns Tinder and Hinge, worries about the approach taken by Fate and other AI-powered dating apps.
The Algorithmic Approach
Part of the issue with traditional dating platforms, according to Naidu, is their algorithmic approach to matchmaking. Tinder, for example, once ranked users' desirability through an Elo score, an algorithm originally used to rate chess players. This approach can be superficial, prioritizing physical appearance over deeper connections. AI, in theory, can offer a different way, using natural language processing to find users with similar personalities and interests.
A recent study by Match Group found that while many people are interested in using AI tools to weed out fake profiles and flag toxic users, most are skeptical about using AI to guide their conversations. Miller notes that people often turn to AI for advice in the smaller, uncomfortable moments of building relationships, but warns against relying too heavily on technology. "Often I'm trying to make sure that people aren't turning to machines because turning to humans demands a level of vulnerability that has become uncomfortable now that there is an alternative," she said.
Personal Stories
Jeremias, a user of Fate, has been on the app for several months and has recently met someone after a long period of being single. He doesn't use the AI coach, citing concerns about the potential lack of real-world experience for the new generation. However, he finds the app's approach to be more thoughtful, forcing users to write an explanation when they reject a potential match. "It makes the swiping more thoughtful. If I'm actually saying no to this person, what are the reasons I'm saying no to them?", he said.
Jasmine, on the other hand, has found the AI coach to be helpful and is excited about her upcoming second date. "It is exciting because you get like, you know, the butterflies in your stomach again, going on a date with someone, doing yourself up really nicely, wearing dresses, heels. It's fun," she said.
The Future of Dating
The use of AI in dating apps is still a relatively new phenomenon, and it remains to be seen whether it will become a mainstream approach. However, for those who are willing to try something different, AI-powered dating apps like Fate offer a unique and potentially more fulfilling experience. As Naidu notes, the goal of Fate is to help users focus on authentic connection and "similarity and reciprocity of personality", rather than superficial characteristics.
While there are concerns about the potential risks and limitations of AI-powered dating apps, they also offer a glimmer of hope for those who have become disillusioned with traditional dating methods. As the world of dating continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how AI technology is used to help people find their perfect match.
