Bumble Tackles Swipe Fatigue with AI Matchmaker

Bumble is developing an AI-powered matchmaker to combat swipe-fatigue and make the dating app more emotionally intelligent. Founder Whitney Wolfe Herd aims to make it the "world's smartest" matchmaker. The AI feature is expected to help users find more meaningful connections and reduce the time spent on swiping.

Bumble (NASDAQ: BMBL), the dating app founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd, is developing an AI-powered matchmaking feature to address the growing trend of "swipe fatigue" among users. The new feature, set to launch in a beta version this fall, aims to make the app more emotionally intelligent and help users find more meaningful connections.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal [1], Bumble has been working on this AI feature for some time, consulting with psychologists and relationship counselors to program the matchmaking algorithm. The AI will analyze users' past relationships, breakups, and experiences with love and dating, rather than relying on superficial criteria like photos, height, or political leanings.

The new AI feature is designed to learn about users over a series of sessions, then create a dating profile, find a match, and even book reservations for dates. This approach is based on attachment theory, which categorizes people into four attachment-style types: anxious, avoidant, disorganized, and secure. By understanding these attachment styles, the AI can make more informed and personalized match suggestions.

The development of this AI feature comes at a time when traditional dating apps are facing declining user engagement and profitability. As users grow tired of the superficial nature of dating apps and the persistent engagement they encourage, many are turning away from these platforms. Bumble's latest quarterly results reflected this trend, with a 9% decline in paying users and an 8% drop in revenue from the year ago quarter [1].

By focusing on building an experience that fosters real love and connection, Bumble aims to return to profitability and attract more users seeking meaningful relationships. This strategic move aligns with the company's goal of becoming the "world's smartest, most emotionally intelligent matchmaker."

References:
[1] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4490532-ai-with-benefits-bumble-building-an-ai-matchmaker-to-tackle-swipe-fatigue