How Artificial Intelligence is used in Dating Apps

Updated: Aug 17, 2023

The term "artificial intelligence" has been used more lately with the release of programs like ChatGPT and Bard. But forms of artificial intelligence have been integrated into our daily lives for years.
Dating apps use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various ways to enhance user experience, improve matches, and provide personalized recommendations. Here are some common ways in which dating apps utilize AI:

Matching Algorithms: Dating apps use AI-powered algorithms to analyze user profiles, preferences, behaviours, and interactions.

These algorithms learn over time, refining their matching suggestions based on user feedback and success rates. AI helps the app suggest more compatible matches, increasing the likelihood of meaningful connections. That begs the question: are you seeing the same people on different apps because there aren't a lot of people using the program? Or because the algorithms keep showing you the same people based on your AI-learned preferences and behaviours?

Profile Analysis: AI can analyze user profiles, photos, and text to identify common interests, hobbies, and personality traits. This data is used to suggest potential matches that share similar characteristics. A common complaint is that this analysis also leads to matching based on appearances. I'm unsure of the truth behind this but it's something to be curious about as AI use in dating apps evolves.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Some dating apps integrate chatbots or virtual assistants to engage with users, answer questions, and offer dating advice. These AI-driven bots simulate natural conversations and help users navigate the app effectively.

Fraud Detection: AI can help detect and prevent fraudulent activities, such as fake profiles or scams. Machine learning algorithms analyze user behaviour patterns to identify suspicious accounts and behaviours. Sadly, I think this is where some dating apps fail. There are far too many stories, some experienced personally, where someone falsified their information. Thankfully, I didn't experience anything like the victims of the Tinder Swindler, but that's proof that the fraud detection elements of dating apps needs work. There's also a case here for human intervention. How does no one employed by these companies monitor suspicious behaviour? If someone is changing their personal information so regularly but it has to be connected to similar login credentials, doesn't that raise some red flags?

User Engagement: AI analyzes user engagement patterns to determine which profiles or content are most appealing. This data is used to optimize the user interface, display order of profiles, and improve the overall app experience.

Language Processing: AI-powered natural language processing (NLP) can analyze user messages to detect tone, sentiment, and compatibility. This can assist in suggesting conversation topics or detecting inappropriate content.

Geolocation: Dating apps often use AI to enhance geolocation features. This helps users find matches in their vicinity, increasing the chances of meeting in person.

It's important to note that the use of AI in dating apps raises privacy and ethical considerations. Users should be aware of how their data is being used and shared and have the option to control their privacy settings accordingly.

Also, if dating apps are going to be what you use to meet someone, give more time to the process. AI is showing you what it thinks you should have and that doesn't account for what really matters in a relationship - someone's personality and heart. A very shy person can be interpreted one way through technology but once a REAL PERSON gets to know them, they can be the greatest gem out there to find.

It's not easy but be patient and be consistent. You will find your person.

It just may not be as immediate as you want