Try GOLD - Free
Bumble launches AI matchmaker to address dating app burnout
Los Angeles Times
|March 13, 2026
Bumble Inc. unveiled a new artificial intelligence-powered assistant designed to act as a personal matchmaker, the company's latest effort to reinvigorate itself at a time when many users have shown dating app fatigue.
The new opt-in tool, called Dates, starts with a private, in-depth conversation that explores broad topics such as values, relationship goals, communication style, lifestyle and dating intentions. When it identifies two people who are aligned in these areas, both are notified with a summary explaining why they are a strong match.
Chats with the AI assistant are private and nothing will be shared on a user's public profile, the company said on Wednesday. Members can also choose what topics of their conversation can be shared with a potential match.
Dates — which is powered by Bumble’s own AI model called Bee — is meant to move beyond surface-lev-el swiping to better understand users and their needs, founder and Chief Executive Whitney Wolfe Herd said in an interview.
The tool will not write messages on behalf of members or generate conversations. It will roll out first as part of a pilot program for a select group of users.
Though it will be free to start, it could become a premium offering over time, the company said.
This story is from the March 13, 2026 edition of Los Angeles Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
LOITERING IN DRIES
STRETCHING TIME AND SPACE AT CHAINSAW, A NEW VENEZUELAN CAFE IN MELROSE HILL
3 mins
March 14, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Kyna Payawal imparts the gift of slowness and attention
In a feat of luck that surprises both visitors and me alike, I live in one of those coveted, mysterious and oxymoronic L.A. neighborhoods: a walkable one.
5 mins
March 14, 2026
Los Angeles Times
U.S. defends Israel against genocide allegation
The United States will intervene in the genocide case against Israel brought at the United Nations' highest court by South Africa, arguing that the accusations are false and warning that a ruling against Israel could undermine international law.
2 mins
March 14, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Zelensky criticizes 30-day waiver by U.S. on Russian oil sanctions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that the U.S. 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions amid the Iran war is “not the right decision” and won't help bring a stop to Russia's more than four-year-old invasion of Ukraine.
2 mins
March 14, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Man found guilty of firing rifle at LAPD helicopter
A South L.A. man was convicted of firing a rifle round through the tail of a Los Angeles police helicopter last year, in an incident prosecutors said could have caused a catastrophe.
3 mins
March 14, 2026
Los Angeles Times
CHANGING LANES FOR THIS DRIVE
James adapts and sacrifices offense while still effective to help Lakers rise in West
3 mins
March 14, 2026
Los Angeles Times
California, other states sue over Trump demand for college data
Officials challenge policy requiring proof that race isn't illegally a factor in admissions.
4 mins
March 14, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Afghanistan says Pakistan is targeting civilians
Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan on Friday of targeting homes in overnight airstrikes on Kabul and other areas of the country, saying at least six civilians were killed and more than a dozen others were injured.
3 mins
March 14, 2026
Los Angeles Times
6 U.S. troops die in crash; 2,500 sent to Mideast
A refueling jet is lost in Iraq, raising war toll to 13. Key Iran island is bombed, Trump says.
4 mins
March 14, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Man suspected of killing father, 89, with car
A Long Beach man was arrested on suspicion of murder after hitting his elderly father with his car last week, police said.
1 min
March 14, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size