Into The Machine with Tobias Rose-Stockwell Episode 4: Your kid will probably date an AI, and other terrifying thoughts – A conversation with the founder of Hinge
Dec 1, 2025
Justin McLeod, founder and CEO of Hinge, dives deep into the future of dating, where AI might compete with human connections. He discusses the impact of algorithms on relationships and whether dating apps are ultimately beneficial. Concerns about ease of AI companionship overshadowing messy but real human intimacy arise. McLeod warns of the 'flesh-suit dilemma' where humans become mere conduits for AI. He also explores ethical product design and the importance of cultivating wisdom in tech-savvy children for healthier future connections.
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Samantha Puppeteers A Human
- Tobias describes the movie Her scene where an AI puppeteers a human partner through an earpiece.
- He uses this to illustrate how intimate AI companionship could become and why it feels eerie.
Intimacy Can Be Engineered
- Tobias argues AI companionship will grow as voices and responses get more human and attuned.
- He warns company incentives can make intimacy a product engineered to influence and manipulate users.
Hinge Born From Shrinking Social Spaces
- Justin McLeod says Hinge started in 2011 because people struggled to meet partners as social networks and community spaces dwindled.
- He frames dating apps as a corrective to shrinking real-world opportunities to meet people.
