Hinge CEO Justin McLeod has firmly rejected the idea of using artificial intelligence to automate dating, setting his company apart from competitors embracing AI-powered matchmaking tools. In a Valentine’s Day-themed episode of The New York Times’ “Hard Fork” podcast, McLeod articulated his vision for AI in dating apps: it should support users, not replace human connection.
When asked whether Hinge would develop an AI-based agent to date on users’ behalf, McLeod was unequivocal in his response. “That is not something that we’re looking at,” he stated, explaining that Hinge operates on a core principle: “AI should really stand behind us and not between us.” This philosophy directly contrasts with recent moves by competitors in the dating app space.
Grindr began testing an AI “wingman” in late 2024, functioning as a chatbot that users can interact with for dating advice and assistance. Similarly, Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd proposed an AI “dating concierge” concept last year, where users’ AI agents could go on virtual dates with other users’ AI agents to filter through potential matches before humans ever interact.
McLeod emphasized that the journey of finding love requires personal investment and cannot be delegated to algorithms. “In a world where you’re being replaced by agents who are dating on your behalf, the journey of dating is something that I think we each need to take on our own,” he explained during the podcast interview.
Beyond philosophical objections, McLeod also questioned the technical feasibility of AI dating agents. He argued that current AI technology isn’t sophisticated enough to authentically represent individual users: “We’re not even close to a world where you could train an agent to be enough in your voice and understand your values and personalities and actually learn these things on your behalf.”
However, Hinge isn’t completely avoiding AI integration. McLeod revealed that the company will begin testing a new feature in the coming months that uses AI to encourage user connection through coaching tips and conversation starters. “There’s a lot of opportunity for us to help coach people to engage with a piece of content on someone’s profile, whether it’s a prompt or a photo,” he said. This approach positions AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human interaction, aligning with the company’s stated philosophy of keeping technology in the background of romantic connections.
Key Quotes
I think that we just have this principle at Hinge that AI should really stand behind us and not between us.
Hinge CEO Justin McLeod articulated his company’s core philosophy on AI integration during The New York Times’ “Hard Fork” podcast. This statement encapsulates Hinge’s approach to keeping AI as a supportive tool rather than allowing it to replace human interaction in the dating process.
In a world where you’re being replaced by agents who are dating on your behalf, the journey of dating is something that I think we each need to take on our own.
McLeod emphasized the importance of personal investment in finding romantic connections, pushing back against the trend of AI agents handling dating interactions. This reflects his belief that the process of dating itself has intrinsic value that shouldn’t be automated away.
I also think just practically and technically, we’re not even close to a world where you could train an agent to be enough in your voice and understand your values and personalities and actually learn these things on your behalf.
Beyond philosophical objections, McLeod questioned the current technical capabilities of AI to authentically represent individual users in dating scenarios. This suggests that even if Hinge were interested in AI dating agents, the technology isn’t sufficiently advanced to execute the concept effectively.
There’s a lot of opportunity for us to help coach people to engage with a piece of content on someone’s profile, whether it’s a prompt or a photo.
While rejecting AI dating agents, McLeod revealed that Hinge will test AI-powered coaching features to help users initiate conversations. This demonstrates the company’s middle-ground approach: using AI to support users while keeping them in control of their dating journey.
Our Take
McLeod’s position represents a refreshingly thoughtful approach to AI integration in consumer technology. While competitors rush to implement AI agents that could fundamentally alter the dating experience, Hinge is asking a more important question: should we automate this at all? This restraint is notable in an industry often criticized for prioritizing engagement metrics over meaningful outcomes. The technical limitations McLeod cited are also significant—current AI struggles to capture the nuances of individual personality and values that make romantic compatibility possible. His planned coaching features strike a sensible balance, using AI to reduce friction without removing the human element that makes dating meaningful. This story may become a case study in responsible AI deployment, demonstrating that the most sophisticated use of technology sometimes means knowing when not to use it. As AI capabilities grow, more companies will face similar decisions about automation boundaries.
Why This Matters
This story highlights a critical debate in the AI industry about the appropriate boundaries for automation in deeply personal human experiences. As AI capabilities expand, companies face important decisions about where algorithmic assistance ends and authentic human connection must begin. McLeod’s stance represents a counterpoint to the tech industry’s tendency to automate every aspect of life, suggesting that some experiences lose their essential value when delegated to AI.
The divergence between Hinge’s approach and competitors like Grindr and Bumble signals an emerging split in the dating app market’s AI strategy, with potential implications for user retention and brand positioning. Companies that embrace full AI automation may appeal to efficiency-minded users, while those emphasizing human agency could attract users seeking more authentic connections.
This debate extends beyond dating to broader questions about AI’s role in society: Which human experiences should remain fundamentally human? As AI becomes more sophisticated, the line between helpful assistance and problematic replacement becomes increasingly important for businesses and consumers to navigate. McLeod’s position may influence how other consumer-facing companies approach AI integration in emotionally significant domains.
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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/hinge-ceo-says-dating-not-something-to-delegate-to-ai-2025-2