Gen Z daters seem eager for romance yet struggle to initiate conversations, according to Hinge CEO Jackie Jantos. The dating platform believes a chatbot can help guide them through the process.

In comments to the BBC, Jantos noted that Gen Z users "absolutely want love" but often lack the self-assurance to pursue it. She attributes this partly to the pandemic, which she says deprived young adults of key years for developing flirting and social skills. As a result, Gen Z now spends roughly 1,000 fewer hours annually with others compared to the same age group two decades ago, and nearly half of young adults in the UK report feeling lonely "often or always," she adds.

The AI solution few requested

Hinge offers two AI features to address this issue. One evaluates user profiles and recommends enhancements. The other creates opening messages to reduce the need for original ideas. Jantos maintains this approach focuses on building confidence rather than replacing personal expression. "It is not about writing words for you," she told the BBC, but "helping you express who you are."

The timing suits Hinge well, as its user base rose from 1.4 million to 1.5 million in the year ending May 2025, while Tinder fell from 1.9 million to 1.5 million over the same span. The platforms now stand nearly equal.

Skepticism remains among experts

Researchers express less enthusiasm than Jantos regarding dating apps and AI for improving confidence. Dr. Carolina Bandinelli from the University of Warwick argues the sector overpromised early on and has now moved "past the hype." Matchmaker Siobhan Copland states more directly that her Gen Z clients feel exhausted and overwhelmed, shifting toward quality instead of quantity.

Using AI as training wheels for flirting represents an ambitious tactic. Success remains an open question.