AI tools like ChatGPT are increasingly being used by daters to craft profiles, generate messages, and seek advice, leading to a new era of AI-assisted dating. Startups are developing specialized AI dating assistants, while major dating platforms are experimenting with AI features. While some users find AI helpful, others are cautious about authenticity and ethical concerns, raising questions about the future role of AI in dating.
A woman copes with her divorce by using AI-generated images to engage in fake online dating, which her daughter warns could lead to legal trouble and emotional harm. The daughter advises focusing on her mother's well-being and suggesting healthier outlets for her grief, such as real social activities or support groups.
Breadcrumbing, a toxic dating behavior where someone gives minimal attention to keep a partner interested without commitment, is more prevalent than ghosting and can cause significant damage to self-esteem by fostering uncertainty and emotional manipulation. Experts warn that this slow-burn form of rejection is amplified by social media and dating apps, leading to emotional distress, especially among young adults, and recommend setting boundaries and prioritizing self-worth to cope.
As traditional dating apps face disillusionment and declining popularity, people are increasingly forming romantic connections through social media platforms, online forums, and shared digital interests, leading to unexpected and genuine relationships beyond the conventional dating app scene.
Tinder is trialing a new height filter for premium users in limited regions, allowing them to filter potential matches by height. The feature has sparked mixed reactions, with some fearing it may hinder genuine connections, while others believe it could help shorter men find matches. The article discusses the broader context of filtering options in dating apps and the importance of personality over superficial traits.
Tinder has officially launched its AI-powered "Photo Selector" feature in the U.S., which helps users choose the best photos for their dating profiles by leveraging facial detection technology. The feature curates a collection of 10 selfies based on Tinder's criteria for good profile images, aiming to save users time and reduce uncertainty in photo selection. The AI is trained to ensure inclusivity and filter out inappropriate images, with plans to roll out internationally later this summer.
Activist investor Starboard Value has acquired a 6.5% stake in Match Group and is urging the company to improve margins through cost cuts and product innovation or consider going private. Match Group's stock surged 8% following the news, despite a 12% decline this year and an 80% drop from its 2021 peak. Starboard's Jeff Smith believes CEO Bernard Kim can lead the necessary changes but emphasizes the need for margin improvements and potential share buybacks. Other activists, including Elliott Management, have also pressured Match Group recently.
Gen Z is increasingly deleting dating apps due to burnout and a preference for in-person connections. Utah-based app Mutual is addressing this by implementing features like user verification, shared traits, and a new speed-dating option to make the experience more efficient and less time-consuming. The app also caters specifically to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing a niche community for users with similar values.
An 82-year-old widower seeks advice on finding a suitable dating site, feeling written off by society and dating platforms due to his age. Rachel reassures him that women are less ageist and suggests looking into personal ads in The Lady magazine, highlighting that age should not be a barrier to finding love.
Men are using AI-powered chatbot "wingman" apps like Rizz and MGAI to generate pickup lines and entire conversations on dating apps, claiming to score up to five dates a week. These apps analyze conversations and offer tailored responses to help users break through and find dates. Users report increased efficiency and success, with one man claiming to line up four to five dates a week by spending just 10 minutes twice a day texting. The apps have sparked controversy, with some women expressing disapproval, while others acknowledge the prevalence of AI in enhancing appearance through filters on social media.
A senior member of Britain's Conservative Party admitted to giving a stranger he met on a dating app the phone numbers of fellow lawmakers, leading to unsolicited flirtatious messages and explicit photo exchanges. The incident has raised concerns about cybersecurity and vulnerability to cyberattacks among lawmakers, prompting a police investigation and calls for increased vigilance.
Valerie Bertinelli has revealed she has a new boyfriend whom she met online, but friends and family are concerned that he may be after her money or fame. The actress, who has been married and divorced twice, including a high-profile marriage to late rocker Eddie Van Halen, faced a messy split from her second husband, Tom Vitale. Despite initially stating she wouldn't date again after her divorce, she has publicly announced her new relationship with a writer on the East Coast, describing their connection as "incredibly right."
Match Group adds two new directors, Laura Jones and Spencer Rascoff, to its board in a deal with activist investor Elliott Management, following a "constructive" dialogue resulting in an information-sharing agreement. Elliott, known for board shakeups at other companies, believes in Match Group's potential for value creation despite its struggles with leadership turnover and declining paying users. The exact size of Elliott's position and its specific plans for a turnaround remain unclear.
A civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force, David Franklin Slater, has been arrested and indicted for allegedly sharing classified national defense information related to Russia's war with Ukraine on a foreign online dating platform. Slater, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, is accused of disclosing details about military targets and Russian capabilities to a woman claiming to be in Ukraine. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for each of the three counts in the indictment.
A former US Air Force member, David Franklin Slater, has been charged with sharing classified information about Russia's war with Ukraine on a foreign dating app after allegedly receiving requests for secrets from an unnamed woman. The Justice Department revealed that Slater, who retired as an Army lieutenant colonel and was assigned to the US Strategic Command, transmitted details about military targets and Russian capabilities despite signing paperwork pledging not to disclose classified information. Messages from the woman on the dating app included inquiries about NATO, Biden, and potential surprises for Putin. Slater is due to make his first court appearance on Tuesday.
