Uncanny Valley | WIRED Are Dating Apps Over?
22 snips
Sep 5, 2025 Dating apps are facing an identity crisis, with niche platforms booming but user engagement dwindling. The evolution from traditional ones like eHarmony to Tinder showcases how technology and societal changes impact romance. A deep dive into AI reveals both innovative matchmaking and the risks of scams. There's a growing call for authentic connections beyond algorithms, with a focus on real-life interactions. Ultimately, the conversation highlights optimism amidst skepticism in the challenging dating landscape.
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Swipe Mechanics Changed Dating
- Mobile apps and Tinder's swipe mechanic turned dating into a numbers game and normalized quick photo-first judgments.
- Geolocation and constant access shifted dating from slow profile browsing to endless swiping sessions.
Monetization Warped Incentives
- Apps shifted from free services to subscription upsells and gamified features to extract more revenue from users.
- That monetization changed company incentives away from users' long-term dating success toward engagement metrics.
AI's Mixed Role In Dating Apps
- Dating apps adopted AI in varied ways: photo editing, identity checks, spam detection, and even AI chatbots for conversations.
- Many AI features prioritize engagement or upsell opportunities rather than improving true match quality.
