The understandable ick of AI-assisted dating

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a part of the dating landscape, taking on roles such as Cupid, wingman, and even romantic interest. A survey by the Hily dating app revealed that eighty-two percent of Gen Zers and eighty-seven percent of millennials are already using AI to assist in their dating lives, with up to ninety-five percent planning to do so in the future.

However, there's a notable contradiction; sixty-two percent of Gen Z respondents expressed that they would be turned off if they discovered their match was using AI during initial conversations. This sentiment increased to seventy percent among millennials.

Some daters feel that relying on AI feels lazy and less authentic, raising concerns about whether the connection is genuine or merely a byproduct of an algorithm. The most common uses of AI include generating dating bios and suggesting conversation topics.

However, many users are wary of misleading information; one millennial noted discomfort if AI fabricated details or used unrepresentative photos. As dating fatigue grows due to endless swiping and ghosting, some individuals turn to AI to alleviate emotional labor, a phenomenon termed 'chatfishing'.

A study by Norton found that six in ten dating app users believed they had engaged in at least one conversation written by AI. The challenge arises when distinguishing between human and AI interactions, with research showing that judges mistook AI for humans seventy-three percent of the time.

Despite AI's effectiveness in securing initial dates, many daters reported feeling less confident during in-person meetings if they had previously communicated through AI. Relationship expert Sabrina Romanoff highlighted that the use of AI reflects a fear of inadequacy, pushing individuals to outsource their personality traits, which can ultimately lead to a disconnect in authentic communication.

If users create AI personas that outshine their own, they risk setting themselves up for disappointment in real-life interactions.