Matchmaking was the OG style of finding love or a potential suitor for marriage. But now things are a bit different. In the world of modern romance, Artificial Inte-lligence (AI) is slipping between the sheets of dating culture, claiming to know what (or who) your heart wants before you do. Love in the time of machine learning is as fascinating as it is a little eerie.
Before you let Siri play matchmaker for your love life, one question remains: Can data decode desire?
Swipe, Scan, Swoon
When dating apps first popped around the block, it was all about looks and hobbies. However, things have evolved; AI has taken over matchmaking and offers what it calls “emotionally intelligent matchmaking.” What does that mean? Algorithms track your swiping habits, learn your preferences, and then suggest matches that are (allegedly) align-ed with your emotional needs, not just your lusty whims. “HU-MAN TOUCH is very important. Arr-anged marriage is an old tradition coming from thousands of years,’’ says Netflix star Sima Taparia, a matchmaking consultant.
Which type of person should you look for, what star sign would be best compatible with you, and which quirks should you watch out for? “AI dating is no longer just about facial recognition or bio keywords,” says Arjun Mathur, a behavioural analyst. “It studies your conversation styles, reaction times, even the kind of emojis you use. All that information is then fed into a model that predicts compatibility, not just attraction.”
Big Data, Bigger Feelings
The days when zodiac signs and blood types were seen as the holy grail of compatibility are fading away. AI now measures everything, from text tone to typing speed, to build what’s known as a “digital pheromone profile.” According to a 2024 study by the Digital Romance Lab, couples matched through AI-driven algorithms were 32% more likely to go on a second date, and 27% more likely to report feeling “emotionally in sync” within the first month.
“This isn’t about engineering romance,” explains Brenden Mathew, a UI/UX Designer. “It’s about removing decision fatigue. People are burnt out by endless swiping. AI is helping to narrow down your pool to those who check both your emotional and aesthetic boxes.”
Still, for many, it raises the age-old question—can love be reduced to an equation?
Bedroom Beta Testing
Beyond personalities, AI is diving into the realm of sexual chemistry, which combines psychological profiling with sexual wellness data to match users based on deeper intimacy metrics. These platforms ask questions about libido, love languages, even masturbation habits—then run them through a predictive engine to suggest partners with complementary erotic blueprints. “It sounds clinical, but people are tired of bad sex and misaligned libidos,” says Roshni Thakkar, a Mumbai-based intimacy coach.
Another twist in the tale: AI is now helping you flirt by using natural language processing to ghostwrite pickup lines, witty responses, or apology messages. All you have to do is upload your crush’s bio and vibe—and voila, instant charm. While some have the end of awkward DMs and call it the ‘’catfish era 2.0,’’ if your match falls for your AI-written banter, are they falling for you?
“In today’s world, technology plays a big role. But I’m not a slave to it,” says Taparia. “In my approach to matchmaking, the human touch is essential. Things like eye contact and body language can’t be replaced by an app. In arranged marriages, it’s not just about two individuals—it’s about two families coming together. That’s why, arranged marriages have a higher chance of lasting.”
Not So Fast, Romeo
However, critics place strong points where a bias in algorithms, data privacy concerns, and the occasional Black Mirror-esque experience are very real. “The algorithm only knows what you feed it,” warns Dr Tanya Rao, a psychologist who studies online dating behaviour. “If your choices are rooted in stereotypes or unresolved patterns, the AI will just reinforce them.”
There’s also the unsettling truth that your dating data—photos, chats, even location—could be stored and monetized. In 2023, a major dating app was caught selling anonymized user data to a third-party behavioural research firm. The fallout was swift, but the lesson was clear: Love might be free, but your data isn’t.
So, will AI finally help you meet the one? Maybe. Or maybe it’ll help you meet someone who shares your hatred of coriander, your love for Studio Ghibli films, and won’t ghost you after three dates. And honestly, in today’s dating jungle, that might just be enough.
The Rise of Robo-Rizz
For many millennials and Gen Zs, AI isn’t replacing emotion—it’s refining the process. It streamlines the chaos and nudges you towards people who might text back. At its best, it’s Cupid with a dashboard.
Yet, the human factor still reigns supreme. “Today’s youth are well-exposed and financially independent, but they must also embody qualities like caring, giving, and sharing” says Taparia. “Giving your partner space is important, but what truly matters is honesty and patience. Whether you choose AI or traditional arranged matchmaking, finding a partner is a personal choice. It depends on the individual.”
Can AI predict your perfect partner? The jury’s still out. It might make the search faster, the filters sharper, the matches more aligned.
