Plenty of skepticism of AI in dating apps, especially among women, survey says

More than twice as many people disagree with the idea that computer-powered artificial intelligence in dating apps will lead to more successful relationships than agree – and the gap is even larger among women.

That’s according to a new opinion survey designed by the Communication Research Center at Boston University’s College of Communication and conducted by Ipsos.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is playing a greater role in how dating apps find potential partners for users and is touted by their creators as a big step forward in the field. But Kathryn Coduto, an assistant professor of media science at Boston University and the survey’s designer, says that uncertainty around AI has been consistent over three years of opinion surveys.

“People still feel like they can find a soulmate on a dating app, and at the same time they still feel largely uncertain about AI,” Coduto says.

Only one in 10 (10%) women agree AI-powered dating apps lead to more successful relationships, half that of men (20%).

“Among those who follow the industry, there have been whisperings about this, and the difference is small but significant,” Coduto adds. “This is some of the first hard evidence that women differ from men in this arena, and it follows trends about men generally being more optimistic and present on dating apps.”

The survey also found that:

• 37% of respondent have used, or are currently using, a dating app.
• 41% agree or strongly agree that one can find a soulmate through a dating app
• Half of respondents (50%) agree that dating apps are filled with too many machines posing as real people (known as chatbots) to be trusted.
• Six in 10 respondents believe most people lie in dating apps.

Survey Summary

Respondents to this month’s Media & Technology Survey were asked: Are you currently using or have you ever used a dating application (app)? 

Currently use a dating app 9% (13% male, 4% female)
Have used a dating app in the past, but not currently using: 28% (27% / 28%)
Never used a dating app: 64% (60% / 68%)

Respondents were then asked how much they agreed or disagreed with the following statements:

People can find their soulmates on a dating app. 

Strongly Disagree: 5% (6% male, 5% female)
Disagree: 11% (14% / 9%)
Neither Agree or Disagree: 41% (38% / 44%)
Agree: 33% (32% / 33%)
Strongly Agree: 9% (10% / 9%)

Dating apps are the best way to find a successful relationship these days.

Strongly Disagree: 15% (15% male / 14% female)
Disagree: 23% (23% / 24%)
Neither Agree or Disagree: 47% (45% / 48%)
Agree: 12% (15% / 10%)
Strongly Agree: 3% (2% / 3%)

Dating apps that use AI, meaning computer-powered artificial intelligence, will lead to more successful relationships.

Strongly Disagree: 16% (16% male / 15% female)
Disagree: 23% (21% / 25%)
Neither Agree or Disagree: 46% % (43% / 50%)
Agree: 11% (15% / 7%)
Strongly Agree: 4% (5% / 3%)

Dating apps are filled with too many machines posing as real people (known as chatbots) to be trusted.

Strongly Disagree: 3% (3% male / 3% female)
Disagree: 6% (6% / 6%)
Neither Agree or Disagree: 41% (38% / 44%)
Agree: 33% (33% / 33%)
Strongly Agree: 17% (19% / 15%)

Most people lie on dating apps.

Strongly Disagree: 2% (3% male / 2% female)
Disagree: 3% (3% / 4%)
Neither Agree or Disagree: 34% (34% / 33%)
Agree: 41% (40% / 43%)
Strongly Agree: 20% (21% / 19%)

About the Media & Technology Survey

The Media & Technology Survey is an ongoing project of the Communication Research Center (CRC) at Boston University’s College of Communication. This month’s polls were conducted in English on February 10 to 11, 2025. This online survey has a credibility interval (CI) of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. The data were weighted to the U.S. population data by region, gender, age and education. Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online polls. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error and measurement error.