People are taking a patchwork approach to self-expression to feel like they have control over how their identity is generated. Yet as individual expression becomes more mutable and mistrust in social systems abounds, there’s one place above all that people are seeking integrity and guidance: brands.

Research conducted in the run-up to Valentine's Day 2023 has found that the majority of people globally can't distinguish a love letter written by ChatGPT from one written by a human. The findings raise questions about the changing ethics and safety of online dating in the AI age.

The video-first dating app Snack has launched an AI functionality that allows users to meet in the metaverse through their avatars before getting together in real life. This move illustrates how Gen Z values detachment in the face of anxiety-inducing dating app mechanisms and online behaviours.

Things are changing in the dating scene as app use is down, lower-cost dates are in, and many are not pursuing relationships at all, despite an uptick in loneliness among Gen Zers and Yers. How can dating brands adapt to these changes and what is the future of dating through a recession?

Replika – a company that provides AI-powered chatbot companions – has baffled many users with the sudden elimination of its erotic role-play feature. The company's willingness to endure backlash in the name of user safety may serve as an example of ethical decision-making in the AI space.