Most US Singles Reject AI in Dating, Match Group Study Finds

The integration of artificial intelligence into romantic pursuits faces significant resistance from users, according to a recent study conducted by Match Group. While tech companies push to automate various aspects of courtship, nearly half of American singles remain skeptical of AI’s role in their love lives.

The research, which surveyed 1,000 individuals between the ages of 18 and 39, indicates that 47% of respondents view the application of AI in romantic contexts negatively. This friction highlights a growing tension between industry innovation and user expectations for authenticity.

Where Singles Draw the Line

The level of discomfort often depends on the specific application of the technology. The survey data reveals clear boundaries for most users:

• AI Companions: Approximately 40% of singles stated they would refuse to date someone who utilizes an AI companion app.
• Demographic Split: Among women aged 18 to 24, the rejection rate for dating users of AI companions rises to 51%.
• Limited Adoption: Only 12% of the 18 to 24-year-old cohort reported using a companion app in the last three months, with only about one-third of that group seeking genuine connections with chatbots.

Despite this resistance, the findings do not suggest a complete rejection of technology. About 64% of those surveyed acknowledged that AI could provide some utility in their dating journey, provided it does not replace the human element.

The Future of Dating Apps

The Match Group study arrives at a time when major platforms are aggressively pivoting toward generative AI. Companies like Bumble have experimented with “Bee” assistants, while Tinder has reallocated resources toward AI tools, even impacting its internal hiring. Meanwhile, the former CEO of Hinge departed last year to build a new platform centered specifically on AI.

Match Group emphasized that while users are open to AI assisting with logistical hurdles, they prioritize human intimacy. “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 noted in a recent blog post.

For developers, the takeaway is clear: users may appreciate AI for drafting profile bios or suggesting conversation starters when dialogue stalls, but they remain wary of anything that feels artificial. The vision of bots dating other bots—a concept previously floated by industry figures like Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd—appears to be far removed from the preferences of the average user, who continues to seek a traditional human “meet-cute.”