Bumble’s Sale Puts Dating App Burnout and AI in the Spotlight

Bumble’s $1.3 billion sale marks a sharp decline from its roughly $14 billion valuation five years ago, as dating app burnout grows. Speaking to DW News, Mark Brooks, online dating industry analyst and CEO of Courtland Brooks, says the industry has struggled since COVID as people return to meeting offline. “People have woken up; they’re starting to go out more. They’re more interested in IRL,” he says. Brooks also questions whether swiping still delivers the experience users want.

Dr. Jess Carbino, former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble, points to a lack of innovation. “I think that dating apps have not really changed much since 2012,” she says. “There isn’t a really strong new model.” Companies are turning to AI to improve the experience. Bumble is considering AI-curated recommendations to reduce the number of profiles users need to review. Tinder’s Chemistry feature would analyse users’ camera rolls, with permission, to learn about their personalities and interests. Carbino recalls using AI at Tinder to identify which profile photos performed best, but says the success of the industry’s latest AI tools remains uncertain.