Grindr, the leading dating app for the LGBTQ community, announced a strategic partnership with generative AI company Ex-human to add an AI assistant to its platform.
Founded in 2021, Ex-human has carved out a niche in the world of AI with its customizable chatbots. Unlike traditional AI models that focus on answering fact-based questions, his Ex-human chatbot, popular on consumer site Botify.ai, focuses on having meaningful conversations that resonate emotionally. It’s designed to do that.
Ex-human offers a variety of virtual companions, from a fictional geisha to an AI version of Elon Musk, all of which appear as 3D models with facial expressions and reactions to prompts. This focus on emotional engagement is what sets Ex-human apart and aligns with his Grindr commitment to enhancing the social interaction aspect of dating.
Grindr CEO George Allison emphasized the AI venture’s competitive urgency in an interview with Bloomberg.
“If we don’t do it, someone else will. If we’re not the first to bring something to market in the AI space, we’ll be missing out,” he said.
Implementing AI into Grindr’s ecosystem is expected to expand the user experience by providing features such as dating advice, conversation starters, and personalized recommendations based on a person’s profile.
Allison also introduced the concept of Grindle Wingman, a digital assistant that aims to enhance the dating process. This innovative feature also suggests meet-up venues and music, and helps users craft responses to messages tailored to the personalities of their opponents.
While these advances are promising, privacy concerns have been brought to the forefront. In response, Allison assured that the integration of Ex-human’s technology into Grindr will be handled with the utmost care for the privacy of user data. He said the integration of AI will ensure that personal data remains within Grindr’s secure infrastructure, addressing potential data misuse concerns.
The movement toward AI-powered dating isn’t limited to Grindr. Similar trends can be seen in the broader dating app industry.According to reports Decryption, Tinder is testing AI tools for message suggestions and profile creation. However, technological innovation also comes with the risk of misuse. A notable concern is the emergence of AI-powered scams, such as the “LoveGPT” tool, which leverages the power of AI to create more widespread and sophisticated schemes.
The ethical implications of AI in dating are also important.According to reports DecryptionAccording to a study by AttractionTruth, 20% of straight men have already adopted AI to improve their online dating experience, with nearly 40% reporting improved interactions.
In this evolving digital dating landscape, OkCupid’s approach provides additional insight. “Daters who think ChatGPT is a lifesaver are almost 40% more likely to match on OkCupid than daters who think OkCupid is too big brother,” said Michael Kaye, head of communications at OkCupid. told his Mashable.
Grindr’s foray into AI-assisted dating marks a time when AI has penetrated a significant portion of human interaction, just as social media marked a pivotal moment at the intersection of technology and personal relationships two decades ago. It shows that it is becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Once these features are rolled out, they could change the way individuals interact on dating platforms and redefine the landscape of digital intimacy. In this new era, our digital representatives can become essential advisors in navigating the complex world of modern dating, or they can handle the entire tedious flirtation process and guide us through what happens next. This will be left to humans.
Edited by Ryan Ozawa.