Matchmaking is an old profession, practiced through the millennia by ancient civilizations. It has evolved with time, but the human touch has been constant. Today, we stand on the threshold of a revolution, where AI can do the vetting and matching for you without human intervention. But what are the pros and cons of using dating apps with machine learning features? Let’s take a look:
Safety & Verification
The most valid concern on dating apps today is safety. Your dream match seems perfect, but is that really his photo? Has he misinterpreted himself in some way? Relationship Counsellor Regina Vaidyanathan says, ‘If you’re not careful (or lucky!), you may fall prey to fake profiles, bots, and scams. In these cases, AI can come to the rescue. Many apps offer photo recognition, which can be used to verify the identities of those who sign up. Suspicious or abusive activity is also highly vetted and those profiles are banned or eliminated. Authenticity and identity confirmation becomes much easier with AI tools.’
Advanced Matching Algorithms
Dating apps are getting smarter at understanding what people need. You’re trying to find a genuine human connection, but you’re doing it digitally. In that case, a layer of communication is inevitably eroded, so how can you be sure of your match? AI is able to use your previous activities such as swiping patterns and personality traits, and accordingly throw up recommendations that it thinks are suitable. It takes shared interests and values into account. Take Hinge for instance. It shows daily profile suggestions under a section called ‘Most Compatible’. This is based on a Nobel Prize-winning algorithm called Gale-Shapely which suggests matches that have 8 times more chances of success. Hinge claims that since introducing this feature, it has seen a 50 per cent surge in real-world meetings among matched profiles.
Profile Optimisation
‘Just like a blind date or a first meeting, you’d like to put your best and most authentic self forward with your dating profile,’ says Regina. ‘If you’re swiping left or right based on certain factors, someone else is making decisions while viewing your profile as well. Making use of AI tools can help project your image positively, and attract the kind of partner you want. Think of these features as enhancers – like a new haircut, or a pair of stilettoes.’
For instance, Tinder claims that it has seen a 12 per cent match boost in users, because of its AI-driven photo ranking algorithm. It orders online photos, based on positive engagement from other users. On the other hand, Hily focuses on your bio, analysing the text you use through natural language processing. It then makes recommendations accordingly.
Personalised Experiences
AI can’t replace you, but it can help overcome initial roadblocks and hiccups. Chatbots and virtual assistants are your new wingmen. They’ll deliver clever dialogues (avoiding the overused tropes) and suggest date ideas that may appeal to the other party. However, an important fact to keep in mind is that you’re going to need these skills eventually if an offline meeting ensues. Even while using AI, make sure you’re authentic. Don’t say or do anything you wouldn’t normally do in the real world. Think of AI as a mentor or a practice session.
However, everything isn’t perfect in the world of AI and dating. Regina points out a few things you should be wary of:
- You have to make the best of AI, not let it get the better of you. If you rely too much on AI, you’re risking the ability to engage and have conversations in real-time. This can be detrimental to your people skills.
- Be aware of the data that these apps collect. The algorithms are created solely on the basis of the information you feed in. You should be concerned about data privacy and misuse of information. Use only reliable platforms and apps. Read all the terms, conditions, and fine print before you sign up.
- AI algorithms may sometimes be prone to biases. For instance, they may match you only with people from your own race or community. Or they may discriminate based on salaries. This means you could potentially lose out on a great match because of these stereotypes.
- Even with AI entering the world of dating apps, you’re still likely to find a plethora of options online versus offline – and this time, they all come recommended! It is easy to get carried away, but important to tread with caution.
- While all these AI benefits can create a more streamlined experience for users, it’s also important to remember that human connection is unpredictable, often messy, and cannot always be nailed down with an algorithm. Meeting and dating the old-fashioned way are important before you make any deeper commitments.