Hinge CEO Prioritizes Human Connection, Rejects AI Dating Agents in App’s Future
Staff Editor Hinge CEO Rejects AI Dating Agents, Emphasizes Human Connection
In a recent Valentine’s Day-themed podcast, Hinge CEO Justin McLeod shared his views on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in dating apps, emphasizing that AI should enhance rather than replace human connection. Unlike some competitors in the dating app market, Hinge is not pursuing AI agents that date on behalf of users.
While apps like Grindr and Bumble are exploring AI “wingman” and “dating concierge” concepts, McLeod believes that dating is a personal journey that users should experience themselves. “Our principle at Hinge is that AI should support human interaction, not replace it,” McLeod stated during the podcast.
The CEO also argued that AI dating agents are not technically feasible at present, highlighting the importance of maintaining the personal aspect of dating. Instead, Hinge plans to test features that encourage user interaction with conversation tips, aiming to help users engage more effectively with profiles.
Looking ahead, McLeod maintains that while AI can assist in the dating process, the essence of dating should remain a personal experience. “We want to use AI to enhance the human connection, not substitute it,” he explained.
When approached for additional comments, Hinge representatives did not provide further information on the matter. As the dating app landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how different companies will integrate AI technologies while balancing user preferences for authentic connections.
