Artificial intelligence, the next matchmaker

How AI could change the face of dating 

Technology has simplified consumer convenience. One area that has been significantly simplified is dating. You no longer have to spend countless hours reading advice columns or channeling your inner Casanova to ask someone out face-to-face. All you have to do is download an app.  

Dating apps and sites have lessened the burden of looking for a partner and instead have created platforms where you have unlimited choice in finding a desirable partner. According to Pew Research Center, over 15 percent of U.S. adults have used online dating sites or dating apps. The use of dating apps amongst 18-24 year olds has tripled from 10 percent in 2013 to 27 percent in 2016.  Due to the increased interest in online matchmaking, Sean Rad, founder of the dating app Tinder, is currently trying to simplify dating even further by incorporating AI into the logistics of how you find your match. 

According to Outerplaces, Rad’s desires to incorporate AI stems from his initial reason for creating Tinder—building a platform where you can show interest in someone without the fear of face-to-face rejection. AI can potentially take this fundamental idea further by taking over the “swiping” process and instead automatically offering you a match based on its knowledge of your interests and your matches interests. 

In other words, online dating could potentially be completely hands off. AI would be the intermediary between you and your match, running algorithms and pointing you towards your preferred type of mate.  At the Startup Grind Global conference, Rad predicted, "in five years time Tinder might be so good, you might be like ‘Hey Siri, what's happening tonight?’ And Tinder might pop up and say, 'There's someone down the street you might be attracted to. She's also attracted to you. She's free tomorrow night. We know you both like the same band and its playing - would you like us to buy you tickets?’ ... and you have a match. It's a little scary to think that would happen, but I think it's inevitable." The integration of AI into dating has the potential to do all the work we used to struggle with for us.  

Competitors in the dating app industry are embracing the idea of AI. According to Business Insider, Rappaport, a location based dating app, is also incorporating AI into their operations. The app will be launched with AI features within the next couple of months. The company will use AI to help gauge a more accurate ranking of profiles in accordance with the consumer’s interests. 

Other developments that can streamline dating  

Alongside the integration of AI into Tinder, Rad hopes to also incorporate augmented reality into his dating app. Augmented reality has previously made its appearance in the form of Google Glasses, a head-mounted display that connects to your smartphone This venture, launched in 2012, wasn’t a commercial success and was discontinued in 2015. According to Rad, the reason for the projects failure had to do with “the constant interruptions that augmented reality brings to our already technology filled day-to-day experience.” However, he is certain that augmented reality will soon have another chance to shine.  

Augmented reality has the potential to bring two matches together without the necessity of physically meeting. According to Mirror, future versions of Tinder could be reminiscent of a Pokémon Go game. People with the app could scan strangers walking by in order to see their relationship status. With the power of AI, you can meet your match automatically whilst sitting in your living room or taking a walk down the street.