Research

Our project consists of two phases of research: Phase 1 examines discourses about AI in online dating, and Phase 2 explores the impacts of new AI features on diverse populations of dating app users.

Discourses about AI

Phase 1 examines how dating app companies frame AI in their marketing materials. Our guiding research questions are: How have dating app companies identified and defined the problems of online dating that users face today? How might new AI features allow the apps to offer solutions to those problems?

With Phase 1, our goal is to understand what problems AI aims to solve in online dating and what the implications of those potential solutions are.

Illustration depicting various modern technology and science concepts, including satellite communication, data analysis, coding, AI, GPS navigation, and environmental data, with labels such as 'FOR BETTER,' 'FOR WORSE,' 'NEAR,' and 'ALL THE TIME'.

Joudy Bourghli & The Bigger Picture / https://betterimagesofai.org/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Three isolated people using laptops and phones to work in simple line-art illustration, mostly in black and white and with lime green accents.

Julieta Longo & Digit / https://betterimagesofai.org / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Impacts on Users

Phase 2 engages with diverse groups of dating app users to understand their experiences with AI in online dating. Our guiding research question is: What are the impacts of AI on diverse user communities?

To answer this question, we are holding focus groups with 2LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and disabled dating app users. Participants are asked how they define AI, which AI features they use for online dating practices, and why they prefer certain features over others. Participants are also asked to share their hopes for AI, thereby imagining potential new opportunities for AI features in online dating that could help them better manage different aspects of their safety, wellbeing, and intimate relationships.