In the current digital era, AI has become widespread, including in dating applications, so it’s unsurprising that some singles are turning to AI to discover partners. A recent study by Match titled Singles in America indicates that 26% of singles are leveraging AI to enhance their dating experiences, marking a 333% increase since 2024.

Match, in collaboration with the Kinsey Institute, examined approximately 5,000 U.S. singles from ages 18 to 98. The findings show that almost half of Gen Z singles have employed AI in their dating endeavors to refine profiles, messages, or evaluate compatibility. Among all surveyed singles, 44% desire AI to assist in filtering matches, and 40% look for help in crafting the ideal dating profile.

Nonetheless, 44% perceive the use of AI to modify photos as a dealbreaker, and 36% share the same sentiment regarding AI-generated conversations. Some individuals believe that AI ought not to be employed in dating due to its lack of authenticity, while others view it as a beneficial resource.

“AI isn’t taking the place of intimacy, it’s providing singles with an advantage,” remarked Dr. Amanda Gesselman, psychologist at Kinsey and director of sex and relationship science at Match. “For a generation inundated with choices, tools that offer clarity and efficiency are greatly appreciated.”

Even though AI isn’t usurping intimacy, Match discovered that 16% of singles have interacted with AI as a romantic partner, increasing to 33% among Gen Z and 23% of millennials. Another study indicated that 80% of Gen Z individuals would consider marrying an AI. Experts highlight that while younger generations are digital natives, there are dangers, including the potential for emotional dependency on AI companions.

Singles are welcoming both technology and romance. A significant seven out of ten respondents hold a belief in destiny regarding relationships, with 73% believing in everlasting love. The belief in love at first sight has surged to 60%, an increase from 34% in 2014.

However, 39% of singles express they do not know anyone who embodies “relationship goals.” People are increasingly turning to social media for contemporary love inspiration. “Reality TV and Instagram have transformed love into a more curated experience than one that is genuinely lived,” Gesselman stated. “The pressure to discover something idealized can be overwhelming.”

Reality TV, Instagram, and AI are shaping perceptions. Forty-five percent of participants report that AI partners enhance their feelings of being understood, and those actively dating are three times more likely than their inactive counterparts to pursue AI companionship. Meanwhile, 40% view having an AI partner as infidelity.

Will daters still seek human partners if AI “comprehends” them better? The answer may be revealed in the 2026 survey. Additional survey results can be found at Singles in America.