The world of dating has become increasingly complex, with many people turning to technology to find love. 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 artificial intelligence to find your perfect match.
According to a recent study, many people are interested in using AI tools to weed out fake profiles and flag toxic users, but are skeptical about using AI to guide their conversations. However, for a handful of tech entrepreneurs and brave individuals, the answer to whether AI can help you find love is a resounding "maybe". As reported by The Guardian, the use of AI in dating apps is becoming increasingly popular.
One such app 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. The app also offers a coaching feature, which can help users through their interactions. Rakesh Naidu, Fate's founder, demonstrated the coaching ability in an interview, saying "I just feel a bit hopeless at the moment in regards to my chats. I feel like I'm not being engaging enough or meaningful enough."
Naidu started Fate to address the shortcomings of traditional dating platforms, which he believes monetize the time users spend on them and "are literally profiting off keeping people lonely". Other startups, such as Sitch and Keeper, have also launched AI-powered dating apps, hoping to provide a new way for people to find love. Sitch leverages the power of AI to manage vast amounts of information, while Keeper claims to find "a match with rare and real soulmate potential".
How AI Dating Apps Work
AI dating apps use various algorithms and machine learning techniques to match users. Fate, for example, uses a large language model (LLM) to try to find other users who, based on their interview, might be similar to you. This approach, along with the AI dating coach, helps users to focus on authentic connection, said Naidu. Amelia Miller, a consultant for Match Group, which owns Tinder and Hinge, worries about this approach, citing a recent study that found many people are skeptical about using AI to guide their conversations.
Miller, who coaches people on their relationships with AI, says she sees many clients turn to AI for advice in the smaller, uncomfortable moments of building their relationships. However, she also notes that revealing yourself to a human involves vulnerability, which is essential for successful relationships. "Advice is really one of the key ways that people practice vulnerability in a more low-stakes environment – they build up to more vulnerable moments in a romantic context," she said.
Jasmine, 28, was single for three years when she downloaded the AI-powered dating app Fate. She found the app's coaching feature helpful, but also noted that it could be "scary" and "a bit like Black Mirror". Jeremias, another user, has been using Fate for several months and has found it helpful in meeting someone after a long period of being single. He doesn't use the AI coach, but appreciates the app's thoughtful approach to matching, which forces users to write an explanation when they reject a potential match.
Personal Stories of Success
Both Jasmine and Jeremias have second dates upcoming, after being single for several years. They credit Fate with helping them to meet someone special, although they're not sure if it's due to the AI matching or the app's thoughtful approach to swiping. "It makes the swiping more thoughtful," said Jeremias. "If I'm actually saying no to this person, what are the reasons I'm saying no to them?"
Jasmine agrees, saying "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." While AI-powered dating apps are not a guarantee of success, they offer a new way for people to find love and connection in a crowded and often superficial dating world.
The Future of AI Dating
As AI technology continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see more AI-powered dating apps and features in the future. While there are concerns about the use of AI in dating, many people are embracing the technology as a way to find meaningful connections. As Naidu said, "AI can offer a different way" of approaching matchmaking, one that focuses on authentic connection and vulnerability.
Only time will tell if AI-powered dating apps will become the norm, but for now, they offer a promising alternative to traditional dating methods. With their thoughtful approach to matching and emphasis on authentic connection, AI dating apps may just be the key to finding your perfect partner.
