Hinge Founder Justin McLeod Discusses Shifting Focus From Metrics to Meaningful Connections at SXSW
Posted on March 13, 2024
OBSERVER – Justin McLeod, the founder and CEO of Hinge, discussed at SXSW the shift in Hinge's focus from keeping users on the app to fostering real relationships. He highlighted the impact of social media on loneliness and proposed using more technology to create "social wellness" apps. McLeod reflected on how Hinge initially mimicked social media metrics but changed its approach after being featured in a Vanity Fair story about the "dating apocalypse." Now, Hinge measures success by how many dates users go on and their enjoyment of those dates. McLeod believes that artificial intelligence (A.I.) can enhance human connections if used correctly, but there's a risk it could replace human interaction if not managed well.
