Arrows Survey: AI Sees Widespread Use And Dislike In Dating
A February 2026 survey by Arrows, a modern matchmaking service, sheds light on how singles across the U.S. are integrating artificial intelligence into their dating lives. The study, which polled 1,008 singles, found that 54% have used AI tools like ChatGPT to assist with some aspect of dating – ranging from profile polishing and message drafting to conversation analysis and date planning.
Usage varies by gender and generation. Women (52%) are more likely than men (39%) to use AI for analyzing chats and seeking advice, while men (41%) lead in generating pickup lines compared to women (27%). Millennials show the highest adoption rate at 58%, followed by Gen Z (51%) and Gen X (48%). Gen Z stands out for using AI to suggest date activities (54%) and even to help end conversations (28%).
The data points to tangible benefits for those who use AI. Singles who incorporated AI tools reported going on 107% more first dates in the past year (2.9 vs. 1.4 on average). Men using AI were 69% more likely to secure matches than women who did, and AI users overall went on 50% more first dates than non-users.
A blind test highlighted AI’s ability to craft compelling first impressions: when shown profiles without knowing their origin, singles were 50% more likely to express interest in AI-generated bios (36%) than human-written ones (24%).
Yet authenticity remains a major concern. A striking 58% of respondents view using AI for profiles or conversations as a form of “digital catfishing” – presenting an inauthentic version of oneself – with women (60%) more likely to hold this view than men (55%). Gen Z is particularly wary, with 75% saying AI makes dating feel more artificial.
Behavioral responses reflect this tension: 1 in 5 singles have ghosted someone they suspected was using AI in chats. If a great first date revealed heavy AI use in messaging, 38% of men and 21% of women would still pursue a second date, but 17% would end things immediately, and 16% would feel betrayed.
