AI Use in Dating Surges to 36%, But Most View It as Dishonest
A new survey by lingerie brand Pour Moi reveals that AI is playing an increasingly prominent role in online dating, with more than a third (36%) of UK daters admitting they have used AI tools to help craft messages or profiles. This marks a significant rise from 21% just one year ago, suggesting that – if the trend continues – over half of online daters could be relying on AI by 2027.
Despite growing adoption, skepticism remains high. Two-thirds (66%) of respondents said they would feel less attracted to someone if they suspected AI was being used to write their messages. Even among those who have used AI themselves, 54% still consider the practice dishonest.
Relationship and sex therapist Georgina Vass warns that “chatfishing” – using AI like ChatGPT to generate messages – can create unrealistic expectations. “It will create an artificially inflated communication standard whereby you may be more polished, witty, or thoughtful than in real life,” she explained. Vass notes that romance typically begins with emotional connection, which is difficult to achieve through AI-generated text.
Modern dating pressures appear to be driving the trend. Eighty-one percent of respondents said today’s dating landscape creates pressure to appear perfect, and 78% of users report experiencing dating app burnout, according to a Forbes study. While 46% believe AI can help build confidence, Vass cautions that it may not foster long-term self-assurance. “Gaining confidence and building authentic connections relies on taking emotional risks,” she said.
The survey also found that 70% of daters have met someone online who seemed very different in person compared to their messages, highlighting the gap between digital personas and real-life chemistry.
As AI tools become more sophisticated, dating apps and users alike face a growing challenge: balancing convenience with genuine connection. While AI may offer occasional support—such as generating date ideas or refining messages—therapists and experts agree it should not replace honest human interaction.
