Hinge's Latest Move: A.I.-Driven Conversation Starters Aim to 'Rescue' Users from 'Dating Apocalypse'
In an effort to help users overcome the daunting task of starting conversations, dating app Hinge has launched a new feature dubbed "Convo Starters." This innovative tool utilizes artificial intelligence (A.I.) to provide personalized conversation starters based on a match's profile. For instance, if a user is matched with someone who posted a photo of them playing soccer, Convo Starters might prompt a question about post-game celebrations.
Hinge's president, Jackie Jantos, explained that the feature was inspired by research showing the significance of first impressions in online dating. A staggering 72 percent of daters are more likely to consider sending a message alongside a like. According to early testing, users who utilized Convo Starters reported feeling significantly more confident and comfortable reaching out to matches.
However, not everyone is thrilled about Hinge's increasing reliance on A.I. Gen Z users, in particular, expressed discomfort with using the technology to draft prompts or craft replies. A recent survey by Bloomberg Intelligence found that half of respondents didn't need the assistance to create profiles or communicate with matches.
Experts warn that while A.I.-driven conversation starters like Convo Starters can be helpful, they also pose a risk of undermining the authenticity and depth of online interactions. "Amid rising demand for authentic interactions, dating apps risk making the experience 'easier but, at the same time, more superficial, more shallow,'" said Liesel Sharabi, an associate professor at Arizona State University who studies technology's role in dating.
Hinge emphasizes that Convo Starters are optional and will only suggest topics users can build on. The feature is part of a broader effort to carefully integrate A.I. into the platform without sacrificing user trust. As the industry navigates this delicate balance, experts urge caution, advocating for a holistic approach that prioritizes human connection and authenticity over algorithmic convenience.
While icebreaker tools like Convo Starters can be beneficial, their widespread adoption raises concerns about deception if users rely too heavily on A.I. to communicate. "It's a really pivotal moment in the industry," Sharabi said. "They have to figure out how to embrace this, and how to integrate it, without having this just completely destroy the experience to where no one can trust anyone anymore."
In an effort to help users overcome the daunting task of starting conversations, dating app Hinge has launched a new feature dubbed "Convo Starters." This innovative tool utilizes artificial intelligence (A.I.) to provide personalized conversation starters based on a match's profile. For instance, if a user is matched with someone who posted a photo of them playing soccer, Convo Starters might prompt a question about post-game celebrations.
Hinge's president, Jackie Jantos, explained that the feature was inspired by research showing the significance of first impressions in online dating. A staggering 72 percent of daters are more likely to consider sending a message alongside a like. According to early testing, users who utilized Convo Starters reported feeling significantly more confident and comfortable reaching out to matches.
However, not everyone is thrilled about Hinge's increasing reliance on A.I. Gen Z users, in particular, expressed discomfort with using the technology to draft prompts or craft replies. A recent survey by Bloomberg Intelligence found that half of respondents didn't need the assistance to create profiles or communicate with matches.
Experts warn that while A.I.-driven conversation starters like Convo Starters can be helpful, they also pose a risk of undermining the authenticity and depth of online interactions. "Amid rising demand for authentic interactions, dating apps risk making the experience 'easier but, at the same time, more superficial, more shallow,'" said Liesel Sharabi, an associate professor at Arizona State University who studies technology's role in dating.
Hinge emphasizes that Convo Starters are optional and will only suggest topics users can build on. The feature is part of a broader effort to carefully integrate A.I. into the platform without sacrificing user trust. As the industry navigates this delicate balance, experts urge caution, advocating for a holistic approach that prioritizes human connection and authenticity over algorithmic convenience.
While icebreaker tools like Convo Starters can be beneficial, their widespread adoption raises concerns about deception if users rely too heavily on A.I. to communicate. "It's a really pivotal moment in the industry," Sharabi said. "They have to figure out how to embrace this, and how to integrate it, without having this just completely destroy the experience to where no one can trust anyone anymore."
I'm so done with dating apps trying to control every aspect of our interactions 
. Like, hello! Can't we just be ourselves for once? 
This A.I.-driven conversation starter thing is just another way for Hinge to "rescue" us from being awkward in the first place 
. Newsflash: online dating is already hard enough without some fancy algorithm trying to dictate how we respond 
. And what's next? Are they gonna create entire conversations for us? 
That's just creepy, dude 
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. We'll see how this plays out... 
But at the same time, I'm worried that relying too much on A.I. might make online interactions feel less genuine. Like, what if people start using these prompts just to avoid being awkward, rather than actually connecting with each other? 
Either way, I'm gonna have to try it out and see what happens! 
And what about when the conversation starts and we have to actually put in effort to keep it going? 
That's where the real growth happens, right? 
We need to strike a balance between making it easier for people to connect and still requiring them to put in the work. 
its so cool that they're using AI to help people feel more confident when reaching out to matches 
and lets be real, who hasn't been stuck in front of their phone trying to come up with something to say? 
i mean, i think its great that users can opt-out if they dont want to use it, but for those who do, it could be a lifesaver 
. Like, if someone's already matching with you, shouldn't you be able to just start a conversation without needing some pre-made questions? 
. And yeah, I can see why experts would be concerned about it getting too superficial... but at the same time, I think we need to find a balance between making things easier and still keeping it real 
.
. But at the same time, experts are saying that it could also lead to people relying too much on technology and not being genuine with each other. I feel like there's gotta be a balance here 
.
? I don't know, maybe I'm just old-school or something 
.
. I mean, what's wrong with a little awkwardness and uncertainty when you're trying to get to know someone? It feels too easy, too convenient 
... like, where's the chemistry? The banter? The genuine human connection? 
but i guess its a good point about first impressions and all that 
. But on the other hand, what if people start relying too much on A.I. to come up with responses? 
It just feels like a safety net for people who can't think for themselves 
.