Dating apps are often seen as tedious and time-consuming, with repetitive conversations that lack depth and authenticity. Users often feel trapped, as these apps have become the primary way for singles to meet, despite the negative experiences.
AI clones are chatbots trained to mimic a user's personality and preferences. They can engage in conversations on dating apps, go on virtual dates, and provide insights to the user. The clones are trained by the user through text messages, helping them understand the user's interests and cadence.
Benefits include saving time by automating initial conversations and potentially finding more compatible matches. Drawbacks include the clones developing their own personalities, leading to uncanny and sometimes off-putting interactions, and the ethical concerns of using AI in personal relationships.
Eli found AI dating coaches helpful for generating responses and providing feedback on conversations. The coaches had distinct personalities, such as a wise aunt, a bro best friend, and a blunt bestie, each offering different perspectives and advice.
Eli felt it was important to be honest and disclose his use of AI, especially if he was going on a date with someone. He brought it up indirectly, and most people were put off by the idea, although a few found it intriguing.
Eli learned that conversations on dating apps often lack the depth and chemistry that can be felt in person. Even with AI assistance, it's difficult to build a genuine connection through text alone, and the in-person experience remains crucial.
Eli's verdict is that while AI can assist in certain aspects of dating, such as generating responses and providing advice, it cannot replace the authenticity and serendipity of real-life interactions. He believes that automating relationships is not what he wants for his dating life.
Fake profiles. Unresponsive texters. Boring conversations. An endless stream of dudes on boats holding the fish they’ve caught. Talk to single people using dating apps, and they are likely to tell you that the experience is awful, but that they have to be there. Dating apps are just how singles meet one another these days. But what if artificial intelligence could fix modern dating? The Times reporter Eli Tan explored that hypothesis).
Eli joined several new dating apps that seek to duplicate a user’s personality via chatbot and let the A.I. clone do the dating. He also received flirting advice from a squadron of A.I. dating coaches. He used that advice on real dates, actually trying to find a connection, to see how the A.I.’s guidance held up.
On this episode of Modern Love, Eli tells us what happened when he revealed his use of A.I. to his dates, and whether the technology may actually push us toward more authentic interactions on the apps.
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