Tinder's Latest Move: Harnessing the Power of AI for Human Connection
In a bid to revamp its dating app experience, Tinder has been quietly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its platform. The move comes after the company considered venturing into A.I.-powered companionship – a concept that sparked controversy over concerns about loneliness and unhealthy attachments.
"We thought about it a lot, but ultimately decided to focus on helping people connect in the real world," said Mark Kantor, head of product at Tinder, who spoke about the company's approach at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. The goal is to create meaningful connections, not perpetuate artificial relationships.
So, what exactly does this mean for users? Face Check, a new feature set to roll out across the U.S., uses facial recognition to verify user identities by requiring short video selfies to confirm profile authenticity. This tool aims to reduce bots and unwanted accounts by 60%, with Kantor noting that "trust is key" in creating successful matches.
But AI isn't just about security; it's also simplifying the onboarding process. Users can now let Tinder's algorithm scan their camera roll (with consent) and suggest their best photos, saving up to 30 minutes of profile building time.
Tinder's stance on A.I. is distinct from other dating apps that have faced backlash for exploiting loneliness or enabling unhealthy attachments. For Kantor, the focus isn't on keeping users glued to the app but on helping them find matches faster.
"We measure success by fewer swipes," he explained, aiming to reduce them by a third. "If people can come to the app and get a great date by Friday, I think they'll spread the word – we won't have to market it at all." This approach may seem counterintuitive for an engagement-driven company like Tinder, but Kantor is confident in his strategy.
Rival dating apps are making similar moves, with Hinge using A.I. to identify profile pictures most likely to receive likes and Bumble's safety tools automatically detecting and blurring explicit images. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: AI is no longer just a buzzword – it's becoming a key tool for creating meaningful connections in the world of online dating.
In a bid to revamp its dating app experience, Tinder has been quietly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its platform. The move comes after the company considered venturing into A.I.-powered companionship – a concept that sparked controversy over concerns about loneliness and unhealthy attachments.
"We thought about it a lot, but ultimately decided to focus on helping people connect in the real world," said Mark Kantor, head of product at Tinder, who spoke about the company's approach at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. The goal is to create meaningful connections, not perpetuate artificial relationships.
So, what exactly does this mean for users? Face Check, a new feature set to roll out across the U.S., uses facial recognition to verify user identities by requiring short video selfies to confirm profile authenticity. This tool aims to reduce bots and unwanted accounts by 60%, with Kantor noting that "trust is key" in creating successful matches.
But AI isn't just about security; it's also simplifying the onboarding process. Users can now let Tinder's algorithm scan their camera roll (with consent) and suggest their best photos, saving up to 30 minutes of profile building time.
Tinder's stance on A.I. is distinct from other dating apps that have faced backlash for exploiting loneliness or enabling unhealthy attachments. For Kantor, the focus isn't on keeping users glued to the app but on helping them find matches faster.
"We measure success by fewer swipes," he explained, aiming to reduce them by a third. "If people can come to the app and get a great date by Friday, I think they'll spread the word – we won't have to market it at all." This approach may seem counterintuitive for an engagement-driven company like Tinder, but Kantor is confident in his strategy.
Rival dating apps are making similar moves, with Hinge using A.I. to identify profile pictures most likely to receive likes and Bumble's safety tools automatically detecting and blurring explicit images. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: AI is no longer just a buzzword – it's becoming a key tool for creating meaningful connections in the world of online dating.