Grindr CEO on the Power of AI and DEI
BLOOMBERG - Grindr CEO George Arison appeared on Bloomberg Technology to discuss how the company is using AI to develop new features specifically designed for its LGBTQ+ community. He highlighted Grindr's recent growth and emphasized the importance of integrating DEI - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - into their product strategy to ensure the platform remains safe, representative, and welcoming. Arison also shared how he personally uses AI tools in his own work.
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TikTok's Latest Budget Hack Is 'Dating for Dinner'
MARKETWATCH - The TikTok-driven trend "dating for dinner," or intentionally dating for free meals, has gained popularity due to economic pressures, particularly among Gen Z. Nearly half of Gen Z (48%) feel financially insecure, a significant rise from 30% the previous year, driven by high unemployment (9.7% among 16–24-year-olds versus 4.2% overall), rising living costs, and student debt burdens. According to Bumble's 2025 report, 95% of singles say future economic concerns impact their dating decisions, with 60% of women seeking financial stability in partners. While 44% of singles surveyed by Self Financial believe the higher earner should pay for dates, 36% prefer splitting costs evenly, and 21% think whoever organizes the date should pay.
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Singles Using AI up 300% YOY, Says Match
MASHABLE - Singles increasingly rely on AI in dating, with usage rising 333% from last year, according to Match's Singles in America study (surveying ~5K U.S. singles). ~26% of singles now use AI to improve their dating profiles, messages, and compatibility screening, particularly among Gen Z, where nearly half already use AI. However, many singles consider it unacceptable to use AI to alter photos (44%) or generate conversations (36%). 16% of singles have had AI romantic companions (33% Gen Z, 23% millennials).
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Tinder Is Rebuilding Its Dating App Experience for Gen Z
FORBES - Tinder is overhauling its app to win back Gen Z, who are turning away from hookup culture, swiping fatigue, and unsafe user experiences. CEO Spencer Rascoff is shifting focus toward better user experience with AI features, safety improvements, and new tools like group dating. Gen Z wants authentic, in-person connections, and Tinder is adapting before it loses more ground - despite flatlined growth and being ranked last in a UX study. Match Group has cut 13% of its workforce and is prioritizing long-term user satisfaction over short-term profit.
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Tinder Launches RelationChips Snack
ADAGE - Tinder launched "RelationChips," a limited-edition snack to promote its claim that a new relationship starts on the app every three seconds, the time it takes to eat a chip. The chips come with a QR code for a free week of Tinder Gold.
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The Feels - Touchy-feely Singles Mixers
LOS ANGELES TIMES - The Feels is an in-person singles event founded by Allie Hoffman that combines somatic exercises, meditation, and guided prompts to help participants connect emotionally and physically without relying on dating apps. Launched in 2022 in New York, it has since expanded to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, D.C., and Philadelphia. Events are tailored by community type (e.g. queer, monogamous) and cost $75–150. Attendees engage in activities like eye gazing, hand holding, and shared breathing to assess compatibility through physical presence and nervous system responses, rather than appearance or profiles. Hoffman aims to expand to 3–4 events per month in L.A. by fall.
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The Psychological Impact of Dating Apps
WASHINGTON POST - Dating apps can offer convenience and access to potential partners, but therapists note they may also contribute to emotional fatigue, addictive behavior, and decreased self-esteem when used excessively or for validation. Common issues include swiping-based objectification, mismatched expectations, and dopamine-driven engagement patterns. However, apps can be beneficial for those who prefer controlled environments or have difficulty with in-person dating. Experts recommend limiting app use to once a day, being clear about personal goals, seeking partners with aligned intentions, and avoiding dependence on external approval. Methods like the "Burned Haystack" approach, setting specific criteria and filtering out mismatches, can help users engage with dating apps more effectively and protect their mental well-being.
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Decoding the Stanford University Student Dating Landscape
MARK BROOKS - Yesterday I interviewed the CEO/Founder of The Marriage Pact at the LTR conference. Their 2024 Stanford Marriage Pact Campus Report offers a fascinating glimpse into the romantic dynamics of Stanford students. One striking finding is the difference in openness to nonmonogamous relationships across majors, with English majors showing the highest propensity. Another key takeaway is the evolving approach to commitment based on class year. Freshmen appear more inclined to "settle down" while seniors actually lean more towards casual connections. The report also reveals political divides. A significant 75% of socialists, for example, would not date a Republican. This underscores the impact of political views on dating preferences. The data on gender and sexual orientation is noteworthy, with about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men identifying as non-heterosexual.
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