WIRED - Volar, a new dating app, uses AI chatbots to conduct virtual first dates, simulating users' conversational styles and interests. Developed by former Snap product director Ben Chiang, the app aims to reduce the initial awkwardness and fatigue of online dating. Users' bots engage in brief chats with potential matches' bots, after which users review the conversations to decide on further engagement. This approach reflects a growing trend of integrating AI into dating experiences, streamlining the early stages of finding a match.