With AI agents defining the current generative AI age, we are on the verge of experiencing a scenario where an AI companion can do the dating for us.
Dating app Grindr, which caters to the LGBTQ community, plans to release an AI "wingman" catering to its user base. The agent is expected to be available by 2027, reported WSJ.
Serving nearly 14 million app users, it will help them keep track of conversations with "favourite" matches, recommend long-term relationship candidates and suggest dating spots.
Furthermore, chief executive George Arison said in an interview that over time, it would also take on more "agentic AI" functions, like making restaurant reservations -- or even dating another AI agent.
"I always knew that AI was going to be a really big deal, and as we saw where generative AI was going, I realised that a lot of this extension stuff can actually be done by AI," Arison said.
Interestingly, a wingman can converse with another wingman after their humans have matched. By the time the humans decide to go on a date, they will have a "robust view" of each other. In this regard, Arison said that bot-to-bot conversation not only saves the humans time, but might also spot dating deal-breakers early on.
These AI agents are now capable of stepping into the digital world and taking control on our behalf. Vikramaditya Motwane's latest Bollywood release CTRL adopts a similar premise in the movie depicting how AI agents are highly integrated into human relationships.
In the movie, lead character Nella chooses an AI companion over real human connections. The crux of the story is how AI agents are used not just as tools, but as emotional surrogates, mimicking past relationships and offering comfort that feels real.
When it comes to dating apps, it is safe to say that AI is helping users make smarter choices in matchmaking. Thanks to its ability to learn user preferences and offer tailored recommendations.
Leveraging machine learning algorithms, dating apps constantly analyse swiping patterns, stated interests, answers to in-app questions and much more. This collated data acts as a key for the user to find prospects that are likely to be more compatible.
This brings us to Hinge's "Most Compatible" feature that uses AI to rank daily matches based on predicted compatibility. The Most Compatible prospects appear first in your stack each day, allowing users to see better-suited matches sooner rather than random profiles.
Furthermore, AI matchmaking also becomes smarter over time by analysing past successful connections. Other popular dating apps like Bumble and Tinder are also incorporating AI-based features like automated photo selection for optimising user profiles and advanced filters to identify and block fake accounts.
While these platforms use AI to enhance user experience and security, they have not yet fully embraced AI agents that can single-handedly accomplish tasks like scheduling dates without human input.
While these AI-enabled features are changing the dating culture, there is always a looming threat of data theft and cyberattacks. However, the makers of Grindr believe it can be addressed.
Grindr has stated that before going for the user data, it seeks permission to utilise chat history for AI training. The company has also incorporated guardrails for its AI wingman, ensuring it blocks conversations involving commercial activity or solicitation, an issue identified by Grindr employees during testing.
"For better or worse, Grindr gets a lot of attention, and so we want to be careful with what's broadly released," Arison said.
He further stated that AI integration ensures that personal data remains within Grindr's secure infrastructure, addressing potential apprehensions about data misuse.
From navigating the dating scene to managing office tasks like fielding customer calls or creating marketing campaigns, AI is gaining ground with each passing day. Companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, Workday, and ServiceNow have already introduced AI agents to improve workplace efficiency and productivity.
According to Business of App reports, the dating app industry had a market size of $5.34 billion in 2023, an 8% increase from the previous year. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.54% over the next six years.
At present, most of the dating app users either pay a monthly subscription fee for bundled features or one or more a la carte purchases to improve success rate. However, to earn more revenue, dating apps need to rethink their features.
Likewise, features like AI wingman will be essential for companies to up their game in converting more users to pay. This will help dating apps to move away from the one-size-fits-all model to offering premium options for users who are willing to pay more.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Grindr CEO George Arison reiterated the competitive nature of the evolving AI landscape. "If we don't do it, someone else will," he said. "If you're not first to market with something in AI, you're going to miss out."
That said, it's still a waiting game to see how the introduction of AI wingmen will reshape interactions on dating platforms and potentially redefine the concept of digital intimacy. The digital wingmen could either become the go-to guides for navigating the tricky terrain of modern dating or still fall short, requiring human intervention when it comes to matters of the heart.
