It’s a weekday after work and you’re scrolling through your dating apps looking for potential matches. You come across someone’s profile and they look great… but something feels a little ‘off’. On a closer look, you realise that the text on their profile or messages looks like it’s written by ChatGPT – and that’s because it probably is.

A UK study by software company Norton found that almost six in 10 people would consider using an AI tool to write a pickup line or as a conversation starter on dating apps. And, according to a US study by management tool AIPRM, 6 million adults admit to using AI on their dating profiles. The research also found that men were more likely to use AI on their dating profiles and when chatting with matches. “Using AI to improve, tune and optimise dating profiles with text and images could have some really scary results and privacy implications,” explained Christoph C Cemper, founder of AIPRM, in response to the research, expressing concerns that advanced AI could “collect and analyse voice patterns [and] facial expressions from short videos”.

Despite the concerns, some dating apps are actively leaning into AI. Tinder, for example, previously introduced an AI photo selector, which it said would “help users easily select images reflecting their true personalities and create a seamless experience while setting up their profiles”. But, while AI may be useful in setting up a profile, a lot of people will still be wary of engaging with a profile that uses AI-generated text, whether that’s for privacy concerns or simply because it’s a waste of time. Stylist spoke to two experts for their takes on the use of AI on dating apps, how to identify when text or an image is AI-generated and the tell-tale signs that a user’s profile is actually a bot. 

With some dating apps putting in AI features to help users with tasks like setting up a profile, there’s clearly a feeling in the technology industry that this could be a helpful feature. However, the key thing to remember is that AI in these cases is being used to make users’ lives easier during what can otherwise be a monotonous process, rather than being used to interact with other people they come across on the platform. “People would always rather you were honest and earnest on your dating app bio, no matter how clumsily written it is, than trying to AI your way to something polished,” Beth Ashley, dating and relationship expert at sex-positive dating app Pure, tells Stylist. “People can usually detect it, and it might come off as disingenuous and off-putting. However, we have to remember that there are people using dating apps who are totally unconfident in writing or might be speaking in a language that isn’t their native one. AI provides a helping hand for writing in those situations and that shouldn’t be judged.”

Ashley also points to some of the benefits that AI can have if it’s used for more administrative tasks on dating apps, rather than connecting. “I don’t think it’s an inherently bad thing to use AI for dating apps outside of bio writing,” she says. “Some people are using AI to swipe for them on dating apps, and that’s helping people to find matches that work well for them whom they might have otherwise overlooked, and that’s exciting.”

Look for overly polished language

“Let’s face it, most AI is not brilliant at talking like a human,” says Ashley. “You can always tell when a business is using AI for its copywriting because it’s awkward and clumsy and doesn’t sound like how people truly talk. It’s the same for dating app profiles. Read their bio out loud – if it sounds more like someone trying to pass for a person than an actual person, it’s likely written by AI.”

Spot inconsistent information

“If there are inconsistencies in the information provided, such as contradictory details about hobbies, interests or personal stories, it could indicate that the profile has been generated by an algorithm,” explains Cemper. “It’s worth noting that humans are naturally prone to inconsistencies, but certain patterns of contradiction may be a cause for concern. Check for conflicting details about their personal history, interests or even basic information like age and location. A lack of coherence in the narrative could suggest automated content creation.”

Check what time messages are sent

“AI doesn’t need to rest, so an unusually consistent online presence, especially at odd hours, might be a sign of automated activity,” says Cemper. “Humans, on the other hand, have natural patterns of rest and activity. While speedy response times from a prospective match could indicate genuine interest, AI-generated profiles may reply with unusual speed and consistency. If responses come instantly, especially to complex questions, without any indication of consideration or thought, it could suggest automation.

Cemper also suggests you look at how your messages are being responded to. “Observe if the conversation takes unexpected shifts or if the profile doesn’t respond appropriately to changes in topic or tone. AI might struggle with context and may respond in ways that seem out of place in a human conversation.”

Images: Getty