Artificial intelligence is making its way into the world of online dating, with popular apps adding tools to help users choose profile photos, start conversations and find potential matches.
Some users are also turning to their own AI chatbots to polish dating profiles and stand out in an increasingly crowded dating pool. But researchers warn that relying too heavily on the technology could create problems when it comes to building genuine connections.
Dating requires vulnerability, and using AI to help present yourself can be a way to ease some of the pressure, one researcher said. However, that assistance can become uncomfortable when AI begins making personal decisions on someone’s behalf.
“I think it gets a little more uncomfortable when if you’re sitting face to face with someone and they tell you that an AI is who chose them,” the researcher said.
Experts say AI can be a useful tool for people navigating dating apps, particularly when they need help expressing themselves or deciding how to start a conversation.
However, users should be mindful of how much they rely on the technology.
The researcher recommends treating AI like a supportive friend rather than a stand-in for your own personality or judgment.
That means using the technology to help refine a profile or brainstorm conversation starters without allowing it to choose matches or carry conversations entirely.
Users should also make sure their profiles accurately reflect who they are in real life.
Creating a persona with AI that someone cannot maintain in person could lead to disappointment and make it harder to build trust with a potential partner.
As AI becomes more common in online dating, the challenge for users is finding a balance between using technology to feel more confident and allowing authentic connections to develop naturally.
