Justin McLeod

In this insightful discussion, Sherry Turkle, MIT professor and expert on technology's impact on relationships, teams up with Justin McLeod, founder of the dating app Hinge. They explore how AI is reshaping our emotional interactions, revealing that technology can now fulfill roles of confidant and friend. As loneliness increases in a digitally driven world, they emphasize the importance of cultivating authentic connections. The conversation also addresses designing AI that nurtures genuine relationships, standing as a guide to a healthier tech-infused future.

Justin McLeod, founder and CEO of Hinge, shares his journey from heartbreak to building one of the world's leading dating apps, focusing on meaningful connections. He discusses overcoming addiction and the societal stigma surrounding dating apps, revealing how these experiences shaped his vision. McLeod emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in modern relationships, the evolving dating culture among younger generations, and how AI can enhance matchmaking while maintaining human connections.

Justin McLeod, co-founder and CEO of Hinge, shares insights about the quest for authentic connections in dating. He discusses the dangers of AI chatbots, likening their use in dating to 'playing with fire.' The conversation highlights Hinge's evolution and its focus on meaningful relationships rather than just app engagement. McLeod addresses data privacy concerns and the challenges of integrating AI into personal interactions while emphasizing the need for genuine human connections in an increasingly digital world.

Justin McLeod, the Founder and CEO of Hinge, shares his remarkable journey from heartbreak to entrepreneurship. He reveals how personal experiences influenced the app's evolution into a space for meaningful connections. In discussing the challenges of launching within a saturated market, he reflects on pivotal shifts, user engagement strategies, and the impact of the pandemic on dating dynamics. McLeod’s heartfelt anecdotes and insights highlight the quest for authenticity in a digital dating world, underscoring Hinge's mission of being 'designed to be deleted.'

In this episode of the OMR Podcast, we're talking with CEO and founder of Hinge Justin McLeod, the dating app "designed to be deleted. We talked about Hinge's long road to success, the company business model, why he completely tore down Hinge back in 2015 and why the company has no need for standard performance metrics like retention and engagement.