Bumble launches AI matchmaker to address dating app burnout

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.

- BY SAMANTHA KELLY

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.