Tinder has introduced an AI-powered Photo Selector feature that analyzes users' photos and suggests the best ones for their dating profiles, considering factors like lighting, composition, and showcasing different aspects of the user.
To use Photo Selector, users take a selfie in Tinder, grant access to their device camera roll, and the curation happens on-device without uploading the camera roll to Tinder's systems. Tinder assures that it does not collect or store photos not shared on profiles.
A Tinder study found that a significant portion of singles (52%) find it difficult to choose a profile picture, and many (68%) believe an AI feature like Photo Selector would be helpful, as young singles spend an average of 33 minutes selecting profile photos.
The AI was trained on a diverse dataset to ensure inclusivity and filter out photos that violate guidelines, but Tinder's criteria for image selection using AI is unclear. Some users question how the AI feature can accurately represent them.
Tinder has implemented AI features to detect offensive messages and introduced account verification with government-issued IDs to create a safer space for connections. Bumble has also introduced AI tools to identify scam profiles and report suspected AI-generated photos and videos.
Tinder recommends 4 to 6 well-lit, clear photos showcasing personality and limiting group shots. Internal data shows single women prefer men's profiles with at least four genuine images, and men with multiple face photos increase their matching chances by 71%.
Tinder's CEO mentioned that the company aims to use AI to assist decision-making, not make decisions for users, creating a safer space for authentic connections. The overall charm of a profile still depends on the user's personality and interests, despite AI assistance in selecting photos.
While AI features like Photo Selector aims to assist users, concerns remain about the impact on user safety and privacy, as dating apps collect a lot of user information, making them potential targets for cybercriminals. Tinder's privacy policy states that it may share profile and account information with advertisers and affiliates.
Photo Selector is initially launching for Tinder users in the U.S., with international rollout expected later this summer, including in the UK. The feature will initially be available on iOS and Android in the US in July, with plans to expand to other regions internationally later in the summer.
Tinder states that no biometric data from users' photos is collected, stored, or accessed, and any biometric data used for the feature is deleted from the device after use. However, some users may have privacy concerns about granting access to personal photos to the AI model, potentially exposing sensitive images.
Parent company Match has been investing in generative AI, exploring potential uses such as writing dating bios. Tinder aims to use AI to assist users in decision-making, not make decisions for them. The facial recognition element involved in photo curation adds another layer of sensitivity to user data, and Tinder may need to assure users about data anonymization and non-sharing with third parties.
The Match Group, which owns Tinder and other popular dating apps, had a nine percent decrease in paying users between the first quarters of 2024 and 2023.
Bumble uses AI with tools like the Private Detector to blur nude images, and the company's founder envisions AI concierges coaching users on communication skills and even interacting to find matches independently.
A survey by the Pew Research Center showed that 46% of Americans have had negative experiences with online dating, and AI-powered tools in dating apps aim to improve user experiences and make the dating process more efficient and enjoyable.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: TechRadar, Alvinology, NoypiGeeks, Hi-Tech, RepublicAsiaMedia, Daily Mail, Her Campus, GMA Network, HipHopWired, Branding in Asia, Scripps News, DIY Photography, Technology, The Verge, TechCrunch, Mashable, CNET, Engadget