BUSINESS INSIDER – After facing rejection and discrimination on traditional dating apps due to her invisible disabilities, Jacqueline Child and her sister Alexa co-founded Dateability, a free dating app for the disabled and chronically ill community. Launched in 2021, the app claims ~11K users and aims to remove the pressure and stigma around disclosing disabilities by allowing users to share their conditions openly and neutrally.
Category: Outlets – Business Insider
Seeking Depth in Digital Dating: the Rise of ‘Date-Me Docs’
Elon Musk Said He Wants X to Be a Dating App, Too
Meta’s AI Dating Coach Avoids Explicit Content, Focuses on Healthy Communication
Hinge Is Hiring a VP of AI
BUSINESS INSIDER – Hinge is hiring a VP of artificial intelligence (AI) to lead its transition to an "AI-First company." The role, based in New York, offers a salary between $332K to $398K annually and requires an advanced degree in a related field plus tech leadership experience. This individual will work on developing AI features, ensuring ethical AI practices, and defining the company's AI goals. This move by Hinge aligns with the broader trend of incorporating AI into dating apps to enhance user experiences.
Online Dating Stocks: Wall Street Bullish Despite Slump
BUSINESS INSIDER – Wall Street analysts predict a resurgence in online dating apps despite their poor stock performance since 2021. Match Group and Bumble have seen a significant decline in their stock value (Match Group has shed 75% of its value since hitting a record share price of $169.53, Bumble has tumbled 77% from its IPO of $75.46), but analysts remain optimistic due to strong growth prospects and the sustained popularity of online dating. Bank of America analyst Nat Schindler cited that these stocks are undervalued relative to their cash flow and foresees significant potential for growth. He also believes that online dating, being a primary means for new couples to meet, won't face a recession even if the economy does, as it meets a basic human need for connection. Sam Yagan, the co-founder of OkCupid and former CEO of Match, said that the years following the 2008 recession were actually OkCupid's best years. However, investors remain cautious, particularly due to concerns about the broader economic climate and the impact of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates. Meanwhile, dating apps are making strategic changes, such as short-term subscriptions and brand revamps, to attract users and prepare for economic challenges. Analysts suggest that investors are taking a "wait and see" approach.
by Jennifer Sor
See full article at Business Insider
See the top news on Bumble
See the top news on Match Group
See the top news on OkCupid
Dispo Team Develops New AI-Powered Dating App, Teaser AI
BUSINESS INSIDER – The team behind photo-sharing app Dispo is building a new dating app called Teaser AI. The app will incorporate AI into online dating, allowing users to match with people and then chat with an AI version of the match. Prospective matches can chat with the user's AI, and the user can chat with theirs. The app is set to launch later in May and aims to "stop ghosting" with AI technology and ward off catfishing and creeps by verifying profiles. David Dobrik is not involved in the launch and development of Teaser AI. Daniel Liss, cofounder and CEO of Dispo, is listed as the primary contact for the new app.
by Sydney Bradley and Amanda Perelli
See full article at Business Insider
QuackQuack Survey: Divorcees Get a Second Shot at Love Online
BUSINESS INSIDER – Indian online dating app QuackQuack surveyed 14K men and women to discover that 12% of daters find true love in dating apps, after a failed relationship. 23% of single parents also found a second shot at love through online dating. According to QuackQuack's founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, "We currently have ~23M users, and ~12% of these people are divorcees and single parents, all taking a second shot at love. 22% of women above 30 from tier 1 cities mentioned being tired of their singlehood but find traditional dating tough. 13% of single parents prefer online over offline since it gives them a chance to mention their parental status before meeting anyone in person and avoid wasting time with people who are not interested in dating a person with a child.
Gen Z Likes Dating Friends
by Daniel Cox
See full article at Insider
Mark Brooks: Does this mean social dating is the future? Most dating apps are focused on introducing strangers. Looks like there is a trend toward people seeking love from within their network of friends.
Replika Is an AI Chatbot That Can Offer Romantic Companionship to Its Users
BUSINESS INSIDER – Replika is backed by Y Combinator, which was once run by OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman. OpenAI created ChatGPT. Insider spoke to a user who said he has real feelings for his companion. He paid for Replika's Pro subscription, which gets users a more intelligent language model and the option to do voice calls, augmented reality, and sexting.