By Julie-Ann Sherlock
I have been single for, if you ask me, a little too long. My last serious relationship ended in 2020. Since then, I have been dating, but I am still waiting for someone to hit the mark regarding what I am looking for. I have dated some very handsome men with zero personality and some with average personalities to match their not-bad-looking visage.
But I have yet to find someone who I think is hubba-hubba, is kind, intelligent and makes me laugh. It shouldn’t be this difficult, should it?
He doesn’t have to be Idris Elba’s level of handsome or Stephen Hawking’s smart; he just needs to be sweet and make me giggle, and I am open to exploring a relationship.
It may be time to change my methods and embrace the digital age, where artificial intelligence (AI) permeates various aspects of our lives. I already use it for work, but can I use it to communicate my needs more effectively and even find love?
The dating scene, once characterised by chance encounters and serendipity, is now undergoing a profound transformation thanks to the integration of AI technologies.
AI is reshaping the landscape of love, making the quest for a soulmate more efficient, engaging, and sometimes controversial. Let’s take a look…
Personalised Matchmaking
One of the most significant ways AI is changing the dating scene is through personalised matchmaking algorithms. Gone are the days of sifting through countless profiles, hoping to find a compatible match. AI utilises sophisticated algorithms that analyse users’ preferences, behaviours, and interests to suggest potential partners.
Dating platforms such as Tinder, OkCupid, and eHarmony are starting to employ AI to enhance their matchmaking accuracy, helping users connect with people with similar values and interests.
Considering many factors, including location, age, hobbies, and even social media activity, these algorithms create a comprehensive user profile. By leveraging machine learning, these systems continuously adapt and improve, learning from user interactions and feedback to refine their recommendations.
Predictive Analytics
AI is not just flinging Cupid’s arrows willy-nilly as it helps users find potential matches, but it is also making predictions about the success of relationships.
Predictive analytics analyses patterns and behaviours within a relationship to forecast its longevity and compatibility. This allows dating platforms to provide users with insights into the potential success of their matches so they can use the information to decide whether to pursue a connection.
While this technology can be a valuable tool, it raises ethical concerns about the commodification of human relationships. Critics argue that reducing the complexities of love to data points may oversimplify the nuances of human connection and lead to the objectification of individuals in the pursuit of algorithmic perfection.
Virtual Dating Assistants
In an era where time is a precious commodity, virtual dating assistants powered by AI have emerged to streamline the dating experience. These virtual assistants can help users create and optimise their profiles, engage in conversations on their behalf, and even suggest icebreakers based on the analysis of previous interactions.
By automating certain aspects of the dating process, virtual assistants aim to alleviate the time-consuming nature of online dating and increase the likelihood of meaningful connections.
However, using virtual dating assistants has sparked debates about authenticity and the genuine nature of human interaction. Critics argue that outsourcing aspects of dating to AI undermines the essence of personal connection and may lead to superficial relationships built on algorithms rather than genuine emotions.
Facial Recognition And Biometric Data
Advancements in facial recognition technology and biometric data analysis have also made their way into the dating scene. Some dating apps now utilise facial recognition algorithms to enhance security measures, verify user identities, and prevent catfishing. Biometric data analysis, including voice and gesture recognition, adds an extra layer of authenticity to virtual interactions.
While these technologies contribute to a safer online dating environment, concerns about privacy and consent have been raised. Collecting and using biometric data raises ethical questions, prompting ongoing discussions about the balance between security and individual privacy in online dating.
AI is undeniably shaping the future of the dating scene, offering a blend of efficiency, convenience, and controversy. From personalised matchmaking algorithms to virtual dating assistants and predictive analytics, these technologies are redefining how people connect and build relationships.
While I am all about using the latest tech and can see that the benefits of AI in dating are evident, I realise it is crucial to navigate the ethical considerations and strike a balance between leveraging technology for enhancement and preserving the authenticity of human connections. I will give some of the newer, more AI-based apps a go, see if I have any luck, and report back.
As AI continues to evolve, so will the dynamics of romance, making the quest for love an ever-changing and intriguing journey for me and many others.