As artificial intelligence increasingly integrates into daily life, its influence on online dating is reshaping how people connect and communicate, raising both opportunities and concerns. In major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, AI tools are now frequently used to craft conversations, enhance profiles, and even moderate in-person interactions, prompting a reevaluation of authenticity and trust in romantic engagements.

Some daters report encounters where conversations appear remarkably polished online but fall flat during face-to-face meetings. One Delhi-based doctor, using the pseudonym Anjali Parikh, shared her experience of being matched on a dating app with a man whose profile and messages seemed genuine until she realized in person that he relied heavily on AI-generated responses. She quickly ended the meeting upon this discovery. Similarly, Mumbai hospitality professional Zubair Sher Singh Kalsia described feeling disconnected from a date who was engaging in text conversations but appeared distant and uncommunicative in person, highlighting the challenges AI introduces, particularly within the queer dating community where trust is already fragile.

The growing use of AI in dating isn’t limited to casual chats. Delhi-based dating coach Arunav Gupta, who has trained men since 2015, is preparing to launch Flirt.AI, an app designed to analyze users’ interactions and provide guidance on improving communication without replacing personal voice. Gupta emphasizes that the tool is meant to enhance social skills rather than serve as a script generator, and users are encouraged to rely less on AI after an initial learning phase.

Meanwhile, new platforms are emerging to leverage AI for improving matchmaking experiences. Bengaluru-based entrepreneurs recently launched Wavelength, a dating app that uses AI to better capture personality traits and preferences, aiming to move beyond the limitations of swipe-based matching systems. The app’s beta has attracted thousands of users, reflecting demand for AI-driven innovation in the space.

Despite the practical applications of AI, many daters express frustration over its overuse or misuse. Journalists and professionals report encountering repetitive, formulaic messages that lack individuality, often discernible as AI-generated. Some users find that reliance on AI diminishes genuine emotional connection and that automation may be undermining the “social muscle” necessary for authentic interaction. For some, such as public relations professional Deeksha Chauhan and marketing head Priya Joshi, paid premium subscriptions to dating platforms feel wasted when AI-generated content dominates conversations.

Experts caution against heavy dependence on AI in fostering relationships. Cyber psychologist Nirali Bhatia warns that chatting with flawless AI interlocutors can lead users to lower their defenses and form false intimacies, potentially exacerbating loneliness and unrealistic expectations. Emotional fatigue and trust issues may rise as users grapple with the discrepancy between online personas and offline realities. Mental health specialists highlight the challenge of emotional authenticity in AI-mediated interactions, noting the risk of behavioral changes if individuals regularly outsource their emotional labor to machines.

At the same time, some view AI as a promising tool for empowerment, especially for those who struggle with communication. Dating app founder Ravi Mittal suggests that AI can boost confidence among newcomers and level the playing field for users awkward or inexperienced in dating. Others see value in AI’s capacity to help individuals prepare, learn about interests, and improve social skills.

While the use of AI in dating continues to expand—Match.com reports a 333% increase in AI usage among US singles in the past year—Indian daters remain divided. For many, the technology offers convenience and support, but for others, it raises questions about authenticity, effort, and the evolving nature of human connection in the digital age. As users navigate these new dynamics, the challenge will be balancing AI’s benefits with preserving emotional sincerity and trust.