AI in online dating between useful technology and deceptive appearance

Artificial intelligence is a transformative technology that is fundamentally based on machine learning and data processing. While it is currently causing a lot of excitement because it is bringing about major changes, especially in the virtual world, things were very different some time ago. It all began in the middle of the 20th century. The psychologist Frank Rosenblatt developed a simple neural network, the so-called perceptron, which was able to learn and repeat things. This simple artificial neuron laid the foundation for the machine learning processes on which today’s AI systems are based.

AI is under fire from many critics. Questions arise about what the simple recognition and repetition of patterns and tasks has to do with modern navigation systems, facial recognition, product recommendations or the perfect partner suggestions on online dating sites. Since enormous data sets are now available for every area of ​​everyday life, AI offers many advantages. It works much faster than any human ever could and is always on the verge of perfection. But because it does not perform 100% of the time, errors and risks are unavoidable. And of course, AI could also be used in negative ways.

The development of AI today

The first artificial intelligence was created in the mid-1950s. But since then, a lot has changed and our society has stepped into the modern age and can be described as futuristic, in part thanks to the use of AI. It might not seem like it, but AI is everywhere nowadays. As previously mentioned, artificial intelligence is being used in navigation systems, as an example firmly integrating itself in many cars and other vehicles. It is also used in facial recognition for surveillance systems as well as smartphones.

The development of AI is driven by other advances in the world of technology. Over the last 25 years development has taken leaps and bounds in the advancement of AI. Development in the computing power of computers, the increase in data volumes and access to this data have accelerated the development of advanced algorithms. In recent years, technologies such as deep learning and big data have significantly expanded the capabilities of AI. These technologies have already found their way into many everyday tasks and nowadays it is hard to imagine life without them.

Where and how is AI used today?

AI has a broad application and is being used in numerous fields. Used in healthcare, e-commerce, finance, transportation, manufacturing, entertainment and security, it significantly improves efficiency, personalization and safety. The Healthcare sector has probably seen the biggest impacts on improvements by AI. It is used in analyzing medical images, X-rays and MRIs. AIs capability to analyze large amounts of data, allows it to achieve an almost unbeatable high level of accuracy and can make diagnoses in seconds. This enables it to detect health risks and diseases such as cancer at an early stage and can create personalized treatment plans.

Robots assist surgeons in precise and minimally invasive operations. This can shorten the recovery time of a patient and possibly ease the recovery. Telemedicine platforms use AI to allow for remote consultations and analyzing symptoms thus providing medical care to patients in remote areas. Many people use wearables, AI-controlled wristwatches, to continuously monitor vital parameters and advise on any potential risks. In the financial sector, algorithms analyze transaction patterns in real time, identifying suspicious activities and offering customized investment strategies. In security technology, AI is used for image and pattern recognition to identify anomalies and potential threats.

Risks of using AI

The above-mentioned applications for AI are by no means exclusive, merely a few examples of the countless possibilities. The reason for mentioning them is to show that AI can make solid conclusions even about the advantages and disadvantages of finding and choosing a partner in online dating. We also need to mention the basic risks and challenges that artificial intelligence can bring. AI systems base their result on the data with which they were fed and to which they have access to during an analysis. If this data is based on flawed research methods, it can produce a distorted result.

If the target group for a survey is chosen incorrectly, whether consciously or unconsciously, it will ultimately lead to wrong conclusions about the entire group of people. The same applies if the information provided by the participants is untrue, deliberately or not, or unconsciously misleading. This not only leads to discriminatory decisions by an AI system, but also leads to incorrect diagnoses, assessments and planning. Algorithms can both exhibit and promote prejudices against certain ethnic groups, genders and social classes. The problem is that these systems are difficult to verify because they were developed too fast, uncontrolled and incomprehensible.

AI on the Internet – where and how is it used

The rapid development and extensive distribution of AI systems has surpassed human comprehension and the framework for regulation. This creates several risk factors, because without appropriate control and possibly necessary restrictive regulation, making the misuse and incorrect use of AI technologies possible. This can have serious social consequences; some are already being seen today. It is directly linked to the fact that many people lack the necessary media skills.

While many, people and companies alike, use the advantages of AI in a positive way, there are always a few bad beans in the pot. As often is the case, the crime scene is the Internet – always and everywhere available and accessible. The Internet is much more than just a place where you can buy things for your home, watch movies and expand your knowledge. Social networks and information resources, both personal and professional, are shared and used almost exclusively on the Internet. False content, fake profiles and bogus messages are just one aspect where AI is being misused.

AI and online dating sites – the negative side

A general concern in the use of artificial intelligence is the protection of personal data. AI systems need both broad and detailed data to be useful at all. It is the basis to their existence, which is limited to the collection, storage and processing of all available data. But what is more important, the protection of personal data or the protection from certain ways of living. We are talking about the issue of loneliness, after all, there are potential risks to the mental and physical health to individuals.

In Theory, it would be possible to find a suitable partner for every person on this planet. But that’s not our reality unfortunately, especially since stubborn algorithms search and find partners that do not allow for individuality. It may also be the case that the search for a partner is deliberately based on incorrect research methods. This can promote questionable goals for small groups of people, which negatively affects larger parts of society. These aspects of AI are not limited to partner searches. AI can also be used to create false content including fake profiles and artificially created messages.

The positive aspects of AI on dating sites

There is a possibility that you end up on a deceiving dating platform in your search for a partner. There are many risks on the Internet, especially when it comes to the topics of love and eroticism. A dating site can be filled with fake profiles. That’s where AI can be used to create an endless number of new fake profiles every day that are almost indistinguishable from real content. Sending messages is also one of the core tasks for AI on dating sites. They create seemingly human messages and encourage users to pay for conversations to increase sales.

However, AI can be used in both positive and negative ways. While it’s being used for fake messages on one site, it might have the role of customer support on a trustworthy website. Many dating sites use an AI-controlled assistant to provide advice and assistance when users register and use their site. From simple explanations about the various functions of a website to extremely complex live support, all is controlled by the algorithms of artificial intelligence.

The advantages in finding a partner

AI offers many advantages when it comes to finding a potential partner. It can analyze gigantic amounts of data within seconds, recognize patterns and provide accurate results. This increases the likelihood of getting compatible and promising partner suggestions. Furthermore, AI-supported chatbots can improve communication with automated response systems that can help users get started with initial conversations for example.

Specifically for international dating sites AI can be very important. It can improve cultural understanding and overcome language barriers. That’s where translation tools and culturally adapted search algorithms come into play. In conclusion, Artificial intelligence can be used in a negative way with some disadvantages and risk factors to users, but overall the positive aspects and advantages of AI outweigh those by far.