AI chatbots are ruining first dates, Washington Post reports
The issue started with people using ChatGPT and other AI bots to craft charming, witty dating app messages. Turns out, many can’t back it up in real life.
Richard Wilson, 31, matched with someone through long, thoughtful AI-assisted texts. Their in-person meet? A total disaster. The person couldn’t hold a basic conversation. 
Dating apps like Hinge and Tinder admit AI helps those too shy, busy, or abrasive to land dates. Third-party apps like Rizz and Wing AI push it further — writing messages and coaching users through small talk.
But AI’s charm doesn’t translate offline. Real-life dating needs genuine connection, not smooth text game.
Experts tell The Washington Post that AI’s “perfect” personas either mask awful personalities or set impossible standards.
Wilson gave it a second shot. His date’s real self still didn’t show up. AI was doing all the talking. Millions may be in the same boat.
“AI might get your foot in the door. But ultimately, real-life human-to-human authenticity is what matters most. AI creates perfect versions of people that have all the edges smoothed off.”
— Expert quoted by The Washington Post
The AI-driven dating game might score matches. It can’t win hearts—or hold a conversation.
