Gen Z Is Starting To Turn to AI When It Comes to Dating

Finding love in the age of dating apps and becoming “official” on social media has never been easy, but now, some Gen Zers are getting a helping hand from tech.

A new study commissioned by relationships app Paired quizzed 1561 participants about the role AI plays in their romantic relationships.

While most young people remain skeptical, a growing minority is experimenting with AI in their relationships.

The research found that Gen Z (aged 18-26) are the most likely generation to embrace artificial intelligence in their love lives, with 15 percent using AI to plan dates and 12 percent turning to it for relationship advice.

Millennials (aged 29-44) are slightly behind, with nine percent using AI for date planning and 11 percent seeking AI-generated relationship guidance.

Despite this emerging trend, the majority of the younger generations aren’t willing to let AI completely play cupid. According to the research, Gen Z (72 percent) and Millennials (76 percent) have never used AI for romantic purposes, citing concerns about authenticity and connection.

Newsweek spoke to Aly Bullock, therapist and head of relationships at Paired, who said younger generations may be hesitant to use AI for relationship purposes because they’ve had enough of technology interfering.

“Dating apps are exhausting and, in the aftermath of the pandemic, people are trending towards wanting in person connection,” she said. “AI can feel like just another tool pulling relationships away from genuine human connection, and many people are wary of that.”

The survey also required participants to divulge their relationship challenges when it comes to tech.

Phone use during quality time was the most reported issue for Gen Z (57 percent) and millennials (68 percent). Gaming during shared time and work communications after hours followed.

While AI may not be mainstream in dating just yet, interest is growing. Up to 19 percent of millennials said they would consider using AI for tools like relationship advice, couples therapy and guided relationship exercises.

With that, Bullock said the over-reliance on AI could lead to less emotional intelligence and conflict resolution in young people’s relationships.

“AI isn’t inherently bad for relationships,” Bullock said. “For years, we’ve turned to books, friends, and teachers to improve our emotional intelligence—AI is just another tool.”

While AI may never replace real human connection, it may become an important resource in helping couples navigate modern love.

“Instead of fearing new technology, we should focus on its potential to enhance relationships and improve the ways we connect with each other! The train is moving forward whether we like it or not,” Bullock said.