Category: Reporters – Lauren Forristal

Hinge’s New AI Feature Determines if Users’ Prompt Response Is Too Basic

Posted on January 16, 2025
Screenshot of Hinge's Prompt Feedback feature on mobile, showing suggestions for improving user profile answers, including 'Go a little deeper' and 'Great answer.

TECH CRUNCH – Hinge has introduced “Prompt Feedback,” an AI-powered tool using OpenAI’s GPT-4o mini to help users write better profile answers. It provides three types of feedback: “Go a Little Deeper,” “Try a Small Change,” and “Great Answer,” aiming to replace generic responses with more specific ones. The feature addresses a common issue, as 63% of daters struggle with what to write on their profiles. This tool is part of Match Group’s $20–$30M investment in AI, which also includes Tinder’s photo selector tool.

by Lauren Forristal
See full article at Tech Crunch

See the top news on Hinge

Cheers Is a New Dating App That Lets Friends Play Matchmaker in NYC

Posted on October 28, 2024

Cheers logoTECH CRUNCH – Cheers is a new dating app in NYC that lets friends play matchmaker. Founded by former Instagram engineer Sahil Ahuja, Cheers allows users to swipe, message, and share profiles on behalf of friends, aiming to reduce the awkwardness of online dating. With unlimited photo uploads and Instagram-style profiles, it combines social media features to build authenticity and trust. Unlike mainstream apps, Cheers limits users to viewing three matches daily to encourage thoughtful connections. Currently invite-only on iOS, Ahuja runs the app solo and plans to introduce paid features after reaching 5K users.

by Lauren Forristal
See full article at Tech Crunch

Bumble to Leverage AI to Help Users With Profile Creation and Conversations

Posted on September 12, 2024

BumbleTECH CRUNCH – Bumble is increasing its focus on AI, introducing new features like an AI-assisted photo picker and conversation tools to help users create profiles and engage confidently. The new AI-powered features will launch on the app this winter.

by Lauren Forristal
See full article at Tech Crunch

See the top news on Bumble

Drybaby Is a Dating App for the ‘Sober Curious’ Movement

Posted on September 12, 2024

DrybabyTECH CRUNCH – Drybaby is a new dating app targeting the "sober curious" movement, catering to individuals reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption. With 41% of Americans cutting back on drinking and particular interest from Gen Z, Drybaby aims to foster alcohol-free connections. The app features a community section for users to engage in sober events and activities. It's currently available in Los Angeles and New York, with plans for expansion.

by Lauren Forristal
See full article at Tech Crunch

Tinder Update Targets College Students as Dating Apps Struggle

Posted on September 6, 2024

Tinder uTECH CRUNCH – Tinder has updated its Tinder U feature to attract college students, introducing new profile badges for graduation year, major, and clubs, along with a simplified sign-up process and an exclusive app icon for iOS users. Tinder offers U.S. students 50% off premium plans to boost subscriptions and hosts the annual "Swipe Off" challenge, where the most swipe-active college wins a concert. These updates come as studies show declining app usage among students, though Tinder U still reports nearly 90% enrollment growth year over year, remaining popular among 18-year-olds. Tinder U, or Tinder Uni in the U.K., launched in 2018 and is available to students at four-year, accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities. Tinder U requires current students to enter a valid student email address.

by Lauren Forristal
See full article at Tech Crunch

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Dating App Thursday Expands to San Francisco

Posted on August 12, 2024

ThursdayTECH CRUNCH – Thursday, the dating app, which is available only on Thursdays, has expanded to San Francisco. By limiting access to one day a week, it encourages users to schedule real-life meetups promptly, addressing "swiping fatigue". Thursday limits matches to 10 per day, encouraging serious dating efforts. Users can increase this cap with a subscription. The app also organizes in-person singles events through Thursday Event. Founded in 2021, Thursday is available in six countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia, and plans to reach 100 cities by the end of 2024.

by Lauren Forristal
See full article at Tech Crunch

See the top news on Thursday

Date Like Goblins Is a New Gaming-Focused Dating Platform

Posted on August 1, 2024

Date Like GoblinsTECH CRUNCH – Date Like Goblins is a new dating platform designed for gamers, especially those who are neurodivergent or introverted. The platform, set to launch this fall, offers a casual dating experience by allowing users to connect through voice chat while playing video games. Users can find matches based on interests and schedule virtual gaming dates, primarily through Discord. Date Like Goblins also offers "Goblin Mode," which doesn't require photos. The platform emphasizes user safety with planned features like ID verification and moderation systems. A Kickstarter campaign offers early access and discounted memberships before the full launch in Nov. Date Like Goblins was founded by Lise Keeney, an avid World of Warcraft player and former publicist for Hinge.

by Lauren Forristal
See full article at Tech Crunch

Tinder’s AI Photo Selector Picks the Best Profile Photos

Posted on July 18, 2024

Tinder AI Photo SelectorTECH CRUNCH – Tinder has officially launched its AI-powered Photo Selector, which helps users choose the best photos for their dating profiles. Available in the U.S. and rolling out internationally later this summer, this feature uses facial detection technology to identify and select the top 10 selfies from a user's camera roll.

by Lauren Forristal
See full article at Tech Crunch

See the top news on Tinder

Bumble Users Can Now Report Profiles That Use AI-generated Photos

Posted on July 10, 2024

Bumble reporting fake ai generated profilesTECH CRUNCH – Bumble has introduced a new reporting option that enables users to report profiles if they suspect someone could be using AI-generated photos and videos. Other reporting options include inappropriate content, underage users, scams and the use of someone else's photos, among others. AI-generated photos on dating apps are common, and are often used to scam or deceive others. The new reporting option follows Bumble's launch of an AI tool called "Deception Detector," which uses AI and human moderation to detect and remove fake profiles, spammers and scammers.

by Lauren Forristal
See full article at Tech Crunch

See the top news on Bumble

Match-Owned Archer Hits Over Half a Million Installs

Posted on May 6, 2024

Archer logoTECH CRUNCH – Despite a general slump in the dating app industry, Match Group's Archer app has achieved ~685K downloads since its launch last year. Aimed at gay, bi, and queer men, Archer offers a fresh take on the gay dating scene by incorporating safety features like AI-monitored chats and selfie verification to combat negative behaviors like body shaming and racism. The app distinguishes between casual and serious daters with different user interfaces. With 74% of its users looking for friendships, Archer is focusing on community-building features and plans to introduce a Stories feature and more AI integrations in the future. Match Group is investing significantly in AI, planning to spend $20-30M in 2024 and collaborating with OpenAI.

by Lauren Forristal
See full article at Tech Crunch

See the top news on Archer