“Chatfishing” Becomes Increasingly Common Among Singles

Singles are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to draft messages on dating apps such as Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, a practice referred to as “chatfishing.”

Bloomberg has reported that this behavior has grown significantly in recent months, with Google searches related to chatfishing rising 5,000%. A Match Group and Kinsey Institute study found that 26% of U.S. adults have used AI for dating assistance, with higher adoption among Gen Z users.

The trend involves users pasting conversations into AI models to generate opening lines, responses, or analysis of stalled chats. This allows individuals to outsource parts of the initial communication process, potentially reducing the pressure of crafting messages themselves.

Dating platforms have policies against AI-manipulated photos but generally do not prohibit AI-generated text in messages. Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff told Bloomberg that off-platform AI use is difficult to control. Hinge CEO Jackie Jantos emphasized the importance of human interaction while avoiding overly prescriptive rules.

The practice has led to the emergence of dedicated AI tools for dating. Apps like Rizz, Winggg, and YourMove AI allow users to upload screenshots from dating conversations and receive suggested replies. Rizz reported 1.5 million monthly active users as of 2024. As of 2025, Norton research indicated that 60% of online daters believed they had encountered AI-written messages. This suspicion may affect how users perceive smooth or unusually polished responses.

The use of AI in dating messages comes from broader challenges in the industry. Many users report burnout from traditional swipe-based apps, spending significant time without forming meaningful connections. AI assistance may help some overcome writer’s block or improve initial engagement, but it also introduces new questions about transparency and genuine interaction.

Encouraging AI for match suggestions or conversation starters can boost engagement metrics, but heavy reliance on AI-generated content risks undermining the authenticity users seek. The lack of clear policies on AI-written messages leaves room for widespread use while platforms focus on other areas like photo verification – something that can be objectively more important for both first impression and impersonation prevention reasons.