Single individuals in their 20s may benefit from leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to initiate conversations on dating apps if they struggle with taking the first step, according to a statement. Jackie Jantos, the head of the Hinge dating app, mentioned that users are eager for love but face challenges in mustering the confidence to engage actively. The AI feature on the app provides conversation starters not to write messages for users but to assist them in showcasing their personalities effectively.
Despite concerns about dating app exhaustion and a shift towards more traditional in-person meetings, Hinge has seen continuous growth in its user base in the UK. Established in 2012 and under the ownership of Match Group, the company focuses on fostering long-term relationships rather than retaining users indefinitely, as emphasized by its motto “designed to be deleted.”
Tinder remains the most popular dating app, but its usage has been declining over the past few years, with Hinge now closely trailing. Following Hinge, Bumble and Grindr rank among the top dating services. Recent data from Ipsos iris revealed an increase in Hinge users in the UK, reaching 1.5 million in the year leading up to May 2025, compared to 1.4 million the previous year, while Tinder’s audience decreased from 1.9 million to 1.5 million during the same period.
Hinge offers a free download option, with premium tiers available at £24.99 per month or £74.99 for six months. The platform emphasizes transparency in its use of AI to enhance the dating experience by suggesting potential matches based on user preferences and interactions within the app, continually refining predictions as it learns more about each user.
The app also provides prompts to initiate conversations, such as inquiries about local coffee shops or movie recommendations. In a BBC interview, Jantos highlighted the significant decrease in in-person social interactions among Gen Z users, leading to increased feelings of loneliness. She attributed this trend to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted crucial periods of social development for many young adults.
Hinge’s AI tool assists users in optimizing their profiles and offers AI-generated prompts to kick-start conversations. Despite concerns about overreliance on AI in dating, Jantos emphasized that these tools aim to boost users’ confidence rather than replace genuine interactions.