Young adults in their 20s may benefit from utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to initiate conversations on dating apps if they struggle with taking the first step, a recent claim suggests. According to Jackie Jantos, the executive of the dating platform Hinge, individuals in the dating scene are eager for love but often face challenges in putting themselves out there confidently. Hinge’s AI feature, designed to prompt conversation starters, aims not to craft messages on behalf of users but to assist them in showcasing their personality effectively.
Despite concerns raised by relationship experts regarding “dating app burnout” and a shift towards more traditional face-to-face encounters, Hinge has experienced a steady increase in its user base in the UK. Established in 2012 and under the ownership of Match Group, which also operates Tinder and Match.com, the platform’s ethos revolves around fostering meaningful relationships rather than encouraging perpetual app usage.
While Tinder remains the most popular dating app, its user engagement has slightly declined in recent years, with Hinge closing the gap in terms of user numbers. Following Tinder, Bumble and Grindr rank after Hinge as the most utilized dating services. In the UK alone, approximately 1.5 million adults engaged with Hinge in the year leading up to May 2025, reflecting a growth from the previous year. Conversely, Tinder witnessed a decrease in its user base from 1.9 million to 1.5 million during the same period, as reported by Ipsos iris data.
Hinge offers a free basic version, with premium tiers available for £24.99 per month or £74.99 for six months. The platform emphasizes transparency in its use of AI technology to enhance the user experience, focusing on personalized matching and profile optimization. Through AI algorithms, Hinge tailors suggestions based on user preferences such as age, distance, and interests, aiming to facilitate meaningful connections.
The platform’s prompts for starting conversations feature simple queries like inquiring about local coffee shops or seeking movie recommendations. In a conversation with the BBC, Jantos highlighted the evolving social dynamics, particularly among Gen Z users, who increasingly rely on digital interactions, leading to feelings of loneliness. She underscored the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on social development, noting the missed opportunities for young adults to navigate in-person interactions crucial for relationship building.
Hinge’s AI tool not only aids users in refining their profiles but also offers conversation starters generated by AI. Despite concerns about overreliance on AI, Jantos asserts that these tools aim to boost confidence rather than replace genuine interactions, aligning with the platform’s goal of fostering authentic relationships.
