DatingPro » Blog » 📊 Dating industry digest: 62% of Gen Z reject AI dating while VCs pour millions into AI relationships
📊 Dating industry digest: 62% of Gen Z reject AI dating while VCs pour millions into AI relationships
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The market is fragmenting into micro-communities. We’re entering a phase of specialization. Instead of “Tinder-for-everyone,” dozens of niche apps are emerging: “for Disney fans,” “for audiophiles,” “for Orthodox atheists,” and so on.
Investors believe in AI, but Gen Z (and women) are skeptical. AI is a double-edged sword. Investors are pouring in money, but end users are afraid of fakes and “robo-flirting.” The technology is still searching for the right UX format.
Rising cyber and physical risks are driving demand for identity verification and human-curated services. Safety is becoming the No. 1 selling point. Scandals around leaks and blackmail are making KYC and verification a must-have.
The segment is maturing: consolidation and the fight for profitability.
- Investors are betting on “AI relationships.” Venture capital is clearly shifting from swiping to AI-concierge platforms that promise to retain couples longer and boost LTV — even though monetization is still experimental. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-ai-disrupt-relationship-dating-social-apps-vc-amber-atherton-2025-7
- Chat2Date – dating through voice only. This startup removes photos entirely: users meet through short audio chats, reducing “photo fatigue” and fakes. Early numbers show higher response rates.https://www.znewsservice.com/lifestyle/chat2date-highlights-where-dating-apps-fail-as-users-turn-to-voice-led-alternatives/20435/
- Single Riders – “Tinder for Disney adults.” This niche app matches park fans by favorite attractions and visit dates, confirming the trend toward micro-communities over mass market. https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/new-disney-dating-app-helps-disney-adults-find-love-3226290/
- Gen Z rejects AI features. 62% of surveyed Gen Z users say smart suggestions make flirting feel “inauthentic” and disable them — an important signal if you’re building for younger audiences. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-14/gen-z-s-skeptical-of-ai-in-dating-apps-like-tinder-and-hinge-survey-finds
- Roblox is flirting with becoming a dating platform. The CEO announced plans to make the metaverse a “safe space for adult dating.” Media debates are ongoing, but gamification of dating is clearly accelerating. https://www.ebaumsworld.com/articles/roblox-ceo-says-that-he-wants-the-game-to-be-a-dating-site/87706602/
- “Yearners” are tired of “playing it cool.” Wired reports growing popularity of “slow” dating services without endless swiping — users want fewer matches but deeper conversations and pre-filtered pairs. https://www.wired.com/story/yearners-are-sick-of-playing-it-cool-on-dating-apps/
- HER Dating App launches ‘Feelings’ feature to boost authenticity in LGBTQ+ connections. The feature allows users to express their emotional state before starting a conversation. https://gayety.com/her-dating-app-launches-feelings-feature-to-boost-authentic-qpoc-connections
- Whitney Wolfe Herd returned as CEO of Bumble in March 2025 — the company’s founder stepped back in after Lidiane Jones resigned “for personal reasons.” In a message to employees, Wolfe called for “bold action” and a return to “startup mentality.” Bumble laid off 240 people, aiming to save $40M annually, most of which will be reinvested in product and tech. Shares rose 25% after the cuts. https://www.fastcompany.com/91358231/bumble-shares-soar-after-dating-app-announces-major-job-cuts
- Four major platforms (Bumble, Hinge, Tinder, OkCupid) implemented identity verification, but it remains optional — unlike Coffee Meets Bagel, where KYC is mandatory. The KYC process (photo + document) is designed to fight fraud and catfishing. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/goodbye-fraudsters-dating-app-coffee-meets-bagel-rolls-out-mandatory-identity-verification
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