Hinge CEO Jackie Jantos has stated that young adults in their 20s often require artificial intelligence to initiate conversations on dating apps. According to a report by BBC News, Jantos highlighted that while Gen Z singles are actively seeking romantic connections, many struggle with the confidence to put themselves out there in a social landscape that has shifted significantly over the last two decades.
Jantos defended the integration of AI tools within the Hinge platform, clarifying that these features are not intended to replace the user`s voice or write messages for them. Instead, the tools are designed to provide prompts that help users overcome the initial hesitation of starting a chat. She emphasized that these AI-driven aids are meant to help individuals express their true selves rather than outsourcing the dating process to machines.
The Hinge executive pointed to broader societal trends to explain this phenomenon. According to Jantos, Gen Z spends approximately 1,000 fewer hours per year in the physical company of other people compared to similar age groups two decades ago. This reduction in face-to-face interaction is largely attributed to increased time spent on digital platforms and personal devices. Jantos argued that this isolation has prevented many young adults from developing the crucial social skills—such as flirting, reading body language, and navigating intimacy—that were traditionally acquired during their formative teenage years.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic also played a major role in disrupting these social experiences. Jantos noted that for many in their early 20s, the years when they would have naturally experimented with showing up in person and forming bonds were interrupted. This has led to a generation that experiences higher levels of loneliness, with Jantos citing data indicating that nearly half of Gen Z in the UK feels lonely often or always.
Despite concerns regarding dating app fatigue, Hinge has continued to see user growth. As of May 2025, the platform reached 1.5 million users in the UK, an increase from 1.4 million the previous year. While competitors like Tinder have seen fluctuations in their audience size, Hinge has maintained a steady presence by marketing itself as an app designed to be deleted, focusing on long-term relationship goals rather than casual interactions.
As the dating industry evolves, the use of AI to bridge the confidence gap is likely to become more common. Critics of dating apps argue that these platforms have commodified romance and replaced authentic interaction with algorithmic guesswork. However, Jantos remains optimistic that if used correctly, AI can serve as a supportive tool to help hesitant users break the ice, provided they are willing to take the next step toward genuine, in-person connection.
