Match Group survey finds US singles wary of AI in dating

Dating app conglomerate Match Group conducted a survey of 1,000 U.S. singles to evaluate how users view the integration of artificial intelligence in dating. The survey revealed that 47% of respondents hold a negative view of AI’s use in romantic contexts.

Despite this hesitation, some 64% of respondents stated they could see how AI might help them in their dating journey. However, a clear boundary exists when it comes to chatbot applications used for companionship, known as AI companion apps. About 40% of singles surveyed said they would refuse to date someone who uses an AI companion app. This resistance is even more pronounced among younger demographics, rising to 51% among women ages 18 to 24. This sentiment persists even though only 12% of 18- to 24-year-olds reported using a companion app over the last three months.

Match Group, which owns platforms including Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid, highlighted that users are looking for a distinct division of labor when it comes to technology. According to the company, users are comfortable with AI assisting with the logistical friction of online dating, such as profile optimization or conversation starters, but they reject automation for the relationship itself. As Match Group noted, “Ask singles what they want from AI in dating, and the answer is pretty consistent: help with the hard parts, but hands off for the human parts.” The company added that while users will employ AI to improve their profiles or find things to say when a conversation stalls, the actual connection remains theirs to build.

These findings come at a time when dating platforms are actively experimenting with AI features. Competitors such as Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are all testing or integrating AI tools into their platforms. For instance, Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd previously suggested that users could eventually deploy personal bots to date other users’ bots on their behalf. Additionally, the CEO of Hinge stepped down last year to launch an AI-focused dating application. However, Match Group’s data suggests that consumer appetite for such automated interactions remains highly limited, as users draw a sharp line between digital assistance and authentic human connection.

Why it matters

The survey highlights a critical boundary for dating platforms: while users are willing to adopt AI for logistical efficiency, they draw a hard line at replacing human authenticity in romantic relationships. For developers and investors, this indicates that AI features should focus on reducing friction rather than attempting to automate the core human connection.