Tinder Swipes Right on AI
Earlier this week, Nika asked: Is dating through apps still a thing? And she wondered about the effect AI would have on our relationships.
Well:
Tinder, the dating app where singles swipe right to get to know someone, wants to know more about you.
Match Group, the company behind Tinder (and Hinge…and OkCupid…and Match.com), spiced up its lackluster Tuesday earnings report by announcing an experimental AI feature called Chemistry.
Chemistry will ask users questions and (if given permission) access their photos to learn what they like. According to Match, it will use that info to suggest better matches (or, maybe, lock them behind a paywall). Got a picture of you at Disneyland with Goofy? Get matched with a fellow Disney devotee…or just someone goofy.
Tinder could use a lift. Its revenue and subscription numbers continue to decline as younger singles swipe left on dating apps and go right for IRL experiences.
If the dating app space is going to succeed, it probably needs a shakeup. What do you think?
Can AI address Tinder’s bigger revenue problem?
Will it improve match quality?
And what AI integrations would you like to see?

Replies
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I think it is still about the quality of the people on the platform. And a I understood, most of my friends trying to find a serious partner ended up with someone only for a one-night stay.
@busmark_w_nika I think Tinder certainly has that reputation for being a hook-up app...in which case it doesn't matter so much if you find someone who likes tennis as much as you do, etc. Those are considerations for long-term companionship.
AI can’t fix Tinder’s real problem: people are tired of performing for algorithms instead of connecting with humans. The app’s data hoarding and “engagement loops” already treat love like ad inventory. Slapping on “Chemistry AI” just makes the black box shinier, not smarter.
Yes, a very saturated market indeed. The success rate has gone down significantly over the years and personally even with AI I do not see it succeeding, that time has gone and is passed.
@jordynvega023 The success rate of new dating apps or the success rate of swiping?