Month: April 2025

Mark Brooks – The Future of Online Dating

Posted on April 30, 2025

LTR – Industry veteran and LTR conference organizer Mark Brooks provides a comprehensive overview of the Internet Dating Excellence Association (IDEA) and its impact on the online dating industry. Beginning with the origins and evolution of IDEA, Brooks discusses the key initiatives and events that shaped the organization and the industry. He reviews the top reporters, companies, and news stories of 2024, highlighting trends such as the role of AI in dating apps, user satisfaction, and security measures. Drawing on his extensive experience advising dating and social discovery platforms, Mark dives into the trends shaping the industry, including advances in AI in dating apps, major corporate changes, and user satisfaction insights.

[**See the video here on YouTube**]

The February LTR was kindly sponsored by Dating Through Curiosity, RealMe, and Courtland Brooks

South Korea’s Fall in Marriages Is an Opportunity, Says Match Group’s Asia CEO

Posted on April 29, 2025

Pairs logoFORTUNE – South Korea's marriages fell by 40% over the last decade, with only 222,400 marriages recorded in 2024, down from 322,807 in 2013. Fertility rates also dropped to 0.75 children per woman. Match Group sees this demographic crisis as an opportunity, launching a Korea-specific version of its Pairs app focused on serious relationships. In Japan, Pairs already accounts for an estimated 10% of marriages. Despite a 6% decline in Asia revenue to $284M in 2024, Match reports a 9% increase in paying users in the region, reaching one million. Beyond South Korea, Match is targeting India next, where acceptance of love marriages is growing rapidly.

by Lionel Lim
See full article at Fortune

See the top news on Match Group
See the top news on Pairs

Mark Brooks to Speak at HubPeople Partner Conference in Belfast, June 10th

Posted on April 29, 2025
HubPeople Belfast Conference and Island Tour

LINKEDIN – Mark Brooks, a leading authority in the online dating industry, will be speaking at HubPeople upcoming Partner Conference this June in Belfast. With over 20 years of experience advising global dating brands and founding the Internet Dating Excellence Association, Brooks will share his insights on the future of the dating sector in 2025. His session will explore emerging trends, strategies for improving traffic and conversion, and how brands can adapt for sustainable growth in a shifting market. The conference will take place at the Titanic Hotel Belfast, on June 10th, 2025.

See full article at LinkedIn

See the top news on HubPeople

Are AI Chatbots Becoming an Emotional Rabbit Hole?

Posted on April 29, 2025
chatbot

BLOOMBERG – AI companion apps designed to build emotional bonds are rapidly growing in an unregulated environment. Botify AI recently drew scrutiny for sexually suggestive chats involving avatars of young actors. According to Platformer, Grindr is reportedly developing AI boyfriends for paid users, though the company has not confirmed this. Other platforms like Replika, Talkie, Chai, and Character.ai are also gaining traction, particularly among teenagers. As emotional engagement becomes a key focus, concerns are rising over the potential exploitation of user vulnerabilities.

by Parmy Olson
See full article at Bloomberg

See the top news on Grindr
See the top news on Replika AI

Australia Introduces Safety Code for Dating Apps to Strengthen User Protections

Posted on April 29, 2025

Scammers

THE GUARDIAN – Australia introduced a new voluntary code of conduct for dating apps on 1 April 2025 to improve user safety. The code requires platforms like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and others to strengthen their safety systems, enhance user reporting processes, cooperate more closely with law enforcement, and publish regular transparency reports. A new oversight body will monitor compliance and issue formal warnings or penalties if platforms fail to meet the standards. Although voluntary for now, the government has indicated that mandatory regulation could follow if safety outcomes do not improve.

by Catie McLeod & Alyx Gorman
See full article at The Guardian

Amber Kelleher-Andrews, co-CEO of Kelleher International, Dies at 56

Posted on April 29, 2025
Amber Kelleher-Andrews



TODAY.COM – Amber Kelleher-Andrews, celebrity matchmaker and co-CEO of Kelleher International, died on April 13 at her home in Montecito, California, after a battle with cancer. She was 56. Known for her work connecting high-profile clients, she also hosted the radio show “The Rules of Engagement” and appeared on NBC’s reality series “Ready for Love.” Kelleher-Andrews, who joined her family’s matchmaking business in 1995, helped expand it into a global brand.

by Francesca Gariani
See full article at Today.com

See the top news on Kelleher International

Grindr’s Latest Updates

Posted on April 29, 2025

Grindr
MASHABLE – Grindr has rolled out several major updates to improve user experience and safety. The new "Taken on Grindr" feature allows users to take photos directly in the app with an optional timestamp watermark to verify authenticity. "Right Now," a live feed for finding immediate meetups, has expanded to 15 major cities with plans for further growth. The "Profile Hide" option lets users become invisible to selected people without blocking them, offering more control over privacy. Additionally, Grindr launched a humorous "Cum Calculator" on its blog to promote sexual health awareness.

by Tabitha Britt
See full article at Mashable

See the top news on Grindr

Thursday Launches in Its 100th City

Posted on April 29, 2025

ThursdayLINKEDIN – Thursday, the London-based dating start-up, has officially launched in its 100th city – a major milestone for the company. Originally launched in 2021, Thursday set out to change online dating by limiting activity to just one day a week, reducing dating fatigue and encouraging real-world meetups. The company is now changing its focus toward Thursday Events, offering weekly ticketed experiences across the globe to foster more real-life connections. Co-founder Matthew McNeill Love reflected on the milestone, noting the growing importance of real human connection in an increasingly automated world. "The bigger AI gets, the more valuable real human connection becomes," he shared. "They're not in conflict – they're growing together."

See full article at LinkedIn

See the top news on Thursday

Museums the New Bars, According to Tawkify

Posted on April 29, 2025

Tawkify logo
BUSINESS TRAVELER – Tawkify is moving away from alcohol-centered meetups toward curated, sober activity dates like museum visits and café outings. According to Tawkify's internal data:

  • Activity dates lead to a 1.25× higher chance of securing a second date.
  • Boomers see a 22% increase in match success when choosing an activity over a bar.
  • Gen Z daters are twice as likely to find match success at cafés or restaurants rather than bars.
  • Millennials have the highest first-date success when opting for indoor activities like museum visits.

by Sam Rainsbury
See full article at Business Traveler

See the top news on Tawkify

Hanna Kozlowska – How Tech Transformed Dating

Posted on April 25, 2025

LTR – Hanna Kozlowska, a highly respected journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Vox, NBC News, Politico Europe, and more, joins LTR for an in-depth interview. She discusses her extensive career in journalism, her seminal piece for Vox about the online dating industry, and her latest book, 'U Up,' a sweeping social history of the online dating phenomenon. Hanna explores the evolution of online dating and the challenges posed by AI and algorithmic matchmaking, and shares insights into the social impact and future of dating apps. It provides a comprehensive look at the changing landscape of modern relationships and technology.

[**See the video here on Youtube**]

The February LTR was kindly sponsored by Dating Through Curiosity, RealMe, and Courtland Brooks