Month: October 2025

AI Dating Apps Offer “Perfect” Messages, But Risk Losing Real Connection

Posted on October 6, 2025
Logo for Rizz

REUTERS – AI apps like Rizz and YourMove AI are becoming “digital wingmen,” helping millions of daters craft opening lines, replies, and even profiles. Many users say the tools boost confidence and help them move from chatting to in-person dates. Nearly half of Gen Z admits to using AI in online dating. But experts warn AI risks replacing authenticity with polished automation. Some people feel deceived when messages sound “too perfect,” raising doubts about whether the connection is real.

See full article at Reuters

Hily Rolls out Consent Guard to Curb Cyberflashing

Posted on October 3, 2025
A pop-up notification on a Hily app asking for consent to receive explicit messages

MASHABLE – Hily introduced Consent Guard, an AI system that detects explicit content and requires recipient opt-in before delivery. The tool replaces the Explicit Filter and limits senders to three consent requests per chat, with adjustable user preferences.

See full article at Mashable

Grindr Names Veteran Executive John North as Finance Chief

Posted on October 3, 2025
Grindr

REUTERS – Grindr has appointed John North as CFO, succeeding Vanna Krantz after her three-year tenure, which included the 2022 public listing. North brings over 20 years of experience, having previously served as CEO of Lazydays, CFO of Copart, and a board member at XPEL.

See full article at Reuters

Hinge Reaches 15 Million Monthly Active Users Worldwide

Posted on October 3, 2025
Hinge

LINKEDIN – Hinge has reached 15M monthly active users worldwide. The company credits this milestone to its clear focus on getting people out on great dates. Recent features such as AI recommendations, Prompt Feedback and coaching are designed to improve match quality and user experience. Leadership emphasizes that this growth comes from strong product execution and a consistent mission, not from heavy marketing efforts.

See full article at LinkedIn

Product Design Feedback

Posted on October 3, 2025

CourtlandBrooksOPW – We love doing product teardowns. The Courtland Brooks team can look over your app / service and give you feedback on how to improve it. This is how we like to start an engagement these days, as it allows us to get to know our client's product better and add key value quickly. Then from there we can better sense of how we can be of ongoing help, and where the gaps are on your team.

For the price of a marketing manager you can get access to a seasoned team of online dating professionals. See Testimonials here. See pricing and service overview. Email mark@courtlandbrooks.com or simply book an opening call here.

George Arison: Hardship Fueled His Rise to Self-Made Millionaire

Posted on October 2, 2025
George Arison

FORTUNE – Grindr CEO George Arison immigrated to the U.S. from the Soviet Union and graduated college with just $500 before becoming a self-made millionaire. He says he wants his kids to develop grit rather than grow up sheltered in Palo Alto. To do that, he plans to bring them into the office around age 10 to watch him work 12-hour days. Arison, who previously founded Taxi Magic and has led Grindr since 2022 with a $1M salary plus stock options, believes involving children directly in work and sport builds character and prepares them for life’s challenges.

See full article at Fortune

UK to Classify Cyber Flashing as Major Online Offence, Dating Apps Face Fines or Blocks

Posted on October 2, 2025
dating apps

MIRROR.CO.UK -In the UK, the government is moving to toughen the Online Safety Act by classifying cyber flashing, the unsolicited sending of sexual images, as one of the most serious online offences. The change will be announced by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. Once in force, it will require dating apps and social media platforms to actively detect, prevent, and remove such material. Companies that fail to comply could be fined up to 10% of global revenue or even blocked in the UK. The move follows polling that shows one-third of girls aged 12–18 and 5% of boys the same age have received such images.

See full article at Mirror.co.uk

Frustration With Dating Apps Has Fueled a Boom in Luxury Matchmaking

Posted on October 2, 2025
matchmaking

LINKEDIN – With many users leaving mainstream dating apps, wealthy tech elites are increasingly turning to high-end matchmaking services. These services cater to busy professionals who see dating as a poor “ROI” on apps and are willing to pay anywhere from $14,500 to $500K per year for personalized matchmaking. Agencies like Three Day Rule, MacLynn, Greenwald Executive Matchmaking, Lisa Clampitt Matchmaking, and Shannon’s Circle offer highly customized services – from in-depth psychological coaching to curated introductions and even mock dates to improve etiquette. Clients are often Ivy League-educated, high-net-worth individuals in their 20s to 60s, with some parents even hiring matchmakers for their adult children.

See full article at LinkedIn

Bata and Shaadi Ad: From Sole-mates to Soulmates

Posted on October 1, 2025
A billboard with Shaadi & Bata ad

LINKEDIN – Shaadi.com partnered with Bata India on a witty campaign built around the concept of “pairs.” The ad reads, “We have a pair for you BATA!” alongside Bata shoes, and “We have a pair for you BETA!” from Shaadi.com, with Beta meaning son or daughter in Hindi. The wordplay connects Bata’s promise of shoe pairs with Shaadi.com’s promise of finding a life partner for one’s child.

See full article at LinkedIn