Facebook Tackles Swipe Fatigue with New Dating AI Bot, But Is It Enough?

Meta's Facebook Introduces Dating AI Bot to Combat 'Swipe Fatigue' Meta's Facebook has launched a dating AI bot to alleviate the phenomenon of "swipe fatigue" among online daters. The move comes as experts warn that traditional dating app features are no longer effective in attracting and retaining users. According to Neha Kumar, Facebook Dating product manager, the customizable search function is designed to give users new ways to connect beyond swiping through potential matches. "We're trying to make it easier for people to find someone who shares their interests," Kumar said in an interview with Fortune. The AI-powered feature, called Dating Assistant, allows users to input unique prompts such as "Find me a Brooklyn girl who loves live music, cats, and museums." The algorithm then generates matches based on the user's preferences. Meta also announced another feature that automatically matches users with surprise matches based on a personalized algorithm. Swipe fatigue is a growing concern in the dating app industry, with the average user spending over 50 minutes per day swiping through potential matches, according to a recent Forbes Health survey. Experts say that traditional features such as swiping and matching algorithms are no longer effective in attracting and retaining users. "Users are looking for more meaningful connections," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a sociologist who studies online dating. "The problem is that these features are just not delivering what people want." Meta's move to introduce AI-powered features is seen by some as a response to the growing competition from other dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble. However, experts say that it may be too little, too late. "The fact that Meta is introducing AI-powered features now suggests that they are trying to catch up with the rest of the industry," said Dr. Kim. "But it's not clear whether these features will actually make a difference." The launch of Facebook Dating's AI bot marks the latest development in the evolution of online dating apps. As users become increasingly disillusioned with traditional features, companies are turning to AI and machine learning to create more personalized and meaningful connections. In related news, other dating apps such as Hinge and OkCupid have also introduced AI-powered features in recent months. However, it remains to be seen whether these features will be enough to alleviate swipe fatigue and attract new users. As the online dating landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of dating apps will be shaped by AI and machine learning. Whether Meta's Facebook can succeed where others have failed remains to be seen. *Reporting by Fortune.*