We all remember the days of sitting by the phone waiting for our crushes to call or updating our MySpace top ten to reflect who we thought was cute at high school. From there, we’ve jumped into specific online dating websites, which have seamlessly transitioned into dating apps.
But what will come next for dating? And will it even be human? Let’s explore the latest in the world of online dating apps and what the future could hold for romantic connections.
Niche Dating Apps
One of the biggest and most recent developments in dating apps and online dating has been the rise in effective dating apps for different niches. We’re seeing a rise in high-quality dating apps designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, different religious backgrounds or even for more specific groups like expats living abroad.
In the past, these very particular dating apps existed but were nowhere near as competitive as mainstream apps. However, this has started to change. For example, the Taimi app is a brilliant example of an app specifically made for LGBTQ+ dating without compromising on the user interface or effectiveness of the actual application.
AI Dating Systems
We’ve had the ChatGPT takeover, battles between OpenAI and Gemini or BARD and seen Tesla Optimus on various livestreams but not many people are aware of the rise in AI dating systems.
That’s right; people are using AI to streamline the dating process, allowing a robot version of themselves to field matches and send messages, freeing up their time for work or leisure. Is this very successful? Not yet; however, there’s definitely potential for this idea to start taking off once the technology is a little more reliable and the use of a chatbot dating assistant becomes less obvious!
https://unsplash.com/photos/black-and-white-robot-illustration-fv1EFjgIb94
Robot Relationships
Dr David Levy, who authored the popular book “Love and Sex with Robots,” has previously predicted that humanity could be having sexual relationships with AI-powered robots in as little as five years into the future.
I think when you mention AI takeover, people were a little more concerned about an Age of Ultron-style uprising than about being ghosted for a robo-lover. This might sound a little far-fetched as Dr Levy’s prediction is already twelve years out of date, but it is definitely something to consider as possible in the future.
The Negative Impacts of AI on Human Relationships
Of course, whilst it’s exciting to look forward to the future, we can also predict a few negative implications of involving AI so heavily in the delicate social structures we rely on as humans. One example of this is the rise of deepfake revenge porn or AI-generated images of people that have been developed from something as simple as an ID photo. This sinister twist is definitely something to be concerned about in the future.
We should also think about the impacts on family relationships should we choose to integrate technology further into our romantic lives. With the possibility of robot romantic partners on the horizon, how would a family dynamic change? Right now, it’s impossible to say, but it will certainly be an interesting study when the time comes.
Let’s Stick to Online Dating with Humans
For now, I think we will all be content to find the perfect online dating app to suit our needs and start swiping for strictly human companionship.
I think it’s important that we remain grateful for the chance to watch the development of AI and other interesting technologies but it’s crucial to appreciate the warmth of human contact.
So, why not download an app today and start searching for your perfect match?
