Match survey finds 47% of US singles dislike AI in dating

In short: Many US singles say they do not like AI in dating, but they are open to AI helping with small tasks like writing and photo choices.

What's going on

Match Group, the company behind dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid, says almost half of US singles feel negative about AI being used in romantic situations. The finding comes from a survey of 1,000 people ages 18 to 39.

In the survey, 47% said they have a negative view of AI in dating. Match Group noted that dislike depends on what the AI is doing. About 40% said they would refuse to date someone who uses an AI companion app, which is a chatbot meant to act like a partner or close friend (like texting with a pretend person). That number rises to 51% among women ages 18 to 24.

At the same time, fewer people said they are actually using companion apps. Among 18 to 24 year olds, 12% said they used one in the last three months. Match also said only about a third of those users were looking for real connections with the chatbot.

The survey suggests people draw a line between “help me” and “be me.” Match said 64% of respondents could see AI helping their dating journey. Examples include polishing a profile, picking better photos, or suggesting what to say when a chat goes quiet (like having a helpful friend look over your text before you send it).

What to watch

Dating apps are adding more AI features, so the key question is where users will accept it. Tools that support users in the background may be welcomed, but anything that feels like replacing the human connection may push people away.

Source: TechCrunch AI