Nearly half of singles hold negative views of AI in romantic contexts, with a majority of young women refusing to date someone who uses companion AI, according to a recent Match Group survey.
- 47% of singles view AI negatively in romantic contexts.
- 51% of women aged 18-24 would not date someone using companion AI.
- 64% believe AI can assist positively with dating-related tasks.
What happened
Match Group conducted a survey of approximately 1,000 U.S. singles aged 18 to 39 between April and May 2026 to understand attitudes toward AI use in dating. The survey uncovered that 47 percent of singles view the use of AI negatively in romantic situations, with 40 percent of respondents in the 18 to 39 age group unwilling to date someone who uses companion AI apps. This reluctance is more pronounced among younger women aged 18 to 24, where 51 percent expressed this stance.
The survey also revealed companion AI usage among young singles; 12 percent of those aged 18 to 24 reported using these apps in the past three months mainly for boredom, entertainment, roleplay, and emotional processing. Despite this, the broader use of AI tools focuses more on pragmatic activities, such as enhancing dating profiles and aiding conversations.
Why it matters
These findings illustrate a complex dynamic in AI’s growing role within the dating ecosystem. While AI is widely accepted for productivity and conversational assistance—around three-quarters of surveyed singles use tools like ChatGPT regularly—the concept of forming romantic partnerships with or through companion AI remains controversial and potentially stigmatizing.
This distinction is particularly important for dating platforms, many of which have incorporated AI-driven features to improve user engagement and experience. Understanding user reservations about companion AI helps these companies navigate potential backlash and align their offerings with user expectations, especially among young women who represent a significant user segment.
What to watch next
Moving forward, monitoring how dating apps integrate AI to enhance user experience without crossing perceived boundaries will be essential. The balance between useful AI tools—like chat starters and date planners—and companion AI roles that simulate relationships could shape user retention and brand reputation significantly.
Additionally, broader cultural attitudes toward AI as a social and emotional presence will evolve, influenced by shifts in demographics and technology adoption. Dating companies, including Match Group properties and competitors like Bumble, may face ongoing challenges balancing innovation and user comfort, especially as AI-driven features like Bumble’s swipe replacement spark controversy.