AI as cupid for picture-perfect dating profiles?

Confused about selecting the perfect photo for her dating profile, Mumbai-based Ashu S turns to AI tools for enhancements. She believes that appearances create the first impression on dating apps. “Sharing good-quality photos is essential to making an impression. A basic touch-up with AI tools doesn’t hurt,” she shares, highlighting the importance of better visuals.
Why singles are using AI to select a profile photos
Sharing her experience, Bengaluru-based 25-year-old Rimjhim Chhabra says, “It gives me a sense of which photos work well together or which pose makes me look confident. However, when I feel confident about a photo and believe it’s a good shot, I choose to go with it; ultimately, the final decision is mine.”
‘AI feedback aligning with personal preferences’
Providing a clear prompt helps ensure alignment with your personal preferences when using AI tools. Sharing her experience, Chhabra explains, “Based on the requirements I specify in the prompt, AI often aligns with my personal preferences and the vibe I want for the photos. It also suggests layouts or sequences. There are certain recommendations I wouldn’t have considered otherwise. At times, the sequence suggested by AI is well-defined, highlighting colour palettes that are pleasing to the eye. I personally feel more confident and prefer the sequence proposed by AI.”
Selecting the right profile photo
- 85% of singles stated that their dating app profiles are essential for representing their authentic selves, according to a dating app survey. Meanwhile, 52% acknowledged the difficulty of selecting a profile image, and 68% expressed that an AI-powered feature for photo selection would be beneficial
- Singles aged 18-24 report spending an average of 33 minutes selecting the right profile photo for their dating app
Effects of AI-enhanced appearances
Dr Arti Shroff, a clinical psychologist, says, “I have come across several clients who complain about people (potential match) using AI filters to enhance their appearance, only to find that, in person, they look entirely different. Many of these daters perceive this as a form of catfishing, which leaves them feeling disappointed and questioning the person’s authenticity.”