We explored four AI matchmaker apps: Still single.

Did advanced AI tools help us find love?

Spoiler: Not quite. However, we ventured into the realm of AI matchmaking.

Testing AI matchmaking platforms

We explored four AI-powered matchmaking apps to see if they could bring us closer to finding 'the one.' Our journey included weeks of exchanges with chatbot matchmakers, evaluating profiles with a thumbs up or down, and even attending some arranged dates.

Diving into the pool of app users

The scale of user pools was diverse. While Facebook Dating boasts a massive user base of 21 million, smaller ventures like Sitch, Amata, and Three Day Rule are carving niches. Sitch and Amata have managed to attract significant investments to create innovative dating apps where a chatbot identifies potential matches.

This piece concludes Business Insider's series 'Love in the Age of AI,' delving into AI's transformative impact on dating and the industry. Discover more in these parts of the series:

How intention is becoming key in dating apps

The emphasis of these apps is on intentional dating. "We seek individuals who are ready for emotional connections, not those seeking an ego boost," Ludovic Huraux, founder of Amata, shared with Business Insider.

The bottom line: They remain dating apps at their core. Features like slowing down the selection process or managing date logistics are helpful but do not eliminate the exhaustion typical of mainstream platforms like Hinge and Tinder.

The journey: Our experiences with AI dating

Did we score dates with the help of AI?

Sydney Bradley: Did you manage to go on any dates, Henry?

Henry Chandonnet: Yes, I did. I went out for drinks with a match from Amata. Sadly, the other apps were less fruitful. Sitch showed me numerous profiles but failed to connect me with anyone. Perhaps I was too selective—many were finance types. Three Day Rule didn't offer any matches, and Facebook suggested people located far away.

Sydney: I had a similar experience. Facebook's 'dating assistant' presented a few options, yet none stood out enough to pursue further. Though Three Day Rule proposed a couple of matches, they didn't lead to dates. Eventually, I did go on dates through Sitch and Amata after investing $90 for arranged meetups on Sitch. Amata adds a unique touch by organizing the date beforehand and charging $25 to confirm participation.

Introducing AI to our dating lives

Sydney: What’s your take on the tech aspect?

Henry: My preference was Sitch, except for Amata, which surprisingly worked. The user experience is delightful, but the high cost might be why no meetups occurred. Who's willing to spend that much?

Facebook Dating disappointed the most. Imagine simply typing in characteristics for an ideal partner! Naturally, reality doesn’t align with fantasy as matches didn’t fulfill my specified criteria. (If you meet that profile, reach out!)

Sydney: For me, the underlying truth is that AI won’t solve personal dating hurdles. Dating still demands effort. The shift from swiping to chatting with a bot didn’t drastically alter the experience.

Encountering dating fatigue?

Henry: It's clear AI apps haven't resolved our collective burnout from dating apps. Having tested numerous platforms, the new ones seemed more burdensome, adding a 'before bed' checklist item.

Sydney: That’s precisely what Amata aims to address, according to its founder. Unlike other apps focused on messaging, they prioritize getting users on dates.

AI simplifies matchmaking but at what cost?

Henry: Writing a profile is the toughest part, but Amata and similar platforms handle that for users. With Large Language Models (LLMs), they craft your profile based on responses to privacy-intrusive questions, offering a different approach from user-generated prompts.

Sydney: It's intriguing how match notifications entice attention by implying a special 'someone' is waiting, prompting a yes or no verdict on their profile.

Henry: When refusing a match, the AI inquires why—a question typical users may not usually reflect on. Such introspection can be unsettling!

Investing in premium AI matchmaking services

Sydney: One evening, I neglected to confirm a date arranged for me, leading to a warning from the AI: "Continued failure to commit to introductions will result in a temporary halt to new matches." A clear message!

Henry: Quite threatening! Nonetheless, the $25 fee per date is hefty. Outside these trials, would you consider such expenses justified?

Sydney: Refunds are possible if inconveniences arise, yet I have historically invested in dating apps like Raya, so my tentative answer is affirmative.

Our AI-curated date locations

Sydney: So, how did your date turn out? People are eager to know!

Your AI-picked destination? Mine was a brewery—drinks and hot dogs were served. Despite not favoring beer, the engagement was pleasant, though future meetings are uncertain.

Henry: My encounter was at a Lower East Side bar with uncomfortable stools, a classic choice. Admitting to the hostess 'I'm here with Amata' was a bit mortifying. The date was decent, but another isn't planned. Beyond this, I promised to keep details minimal.

Sydney: Did your matchmaker follow up like a friend to ask about the date's success and future plans?

Henry: Yes, but even AI can’t eliminate my tendency to ghost.