APAC Gen Z harnessing AI to play Cupid: Tinder

To coincide with Valentine’s Day, dating app Tinder has released a report titled ‘Modern Day Dating in Asia Pacific’ that captures the attitudes of young adults (aged 18 to 25) across seven markets as they navigate love, relationships, and the quest for companionship.

Crafting a more acceptable real-life avatar with AI

Particularly in the initial stages of a relationship, AI plays an important role, a direct fallout of the digitalisation of romance. Among surveyed users, 88% say at least a few of their relationships have begun on a dating app. For one in five respondents, all their relationships have started in-app. Traditional avenues such as shared hobbies (37%), work (31%) and school (30%) have ceded ground to online dating (48%) as the most common method to meet someone new.

To make a great first impression, 65% of respondents are taking the help of AI to select their most flattering photos, and 67% use it to craft swipe-right-worthy bios.

On first dates, chemistry and compatibility, and the fear of rejection are significant concerns. This presents yet another use case for AI with 68% believing it could help them find common ground, suggest topics to break the ice, and start conversations. However rather than AI taking over relationships entirely, Max Radcliffe, relationships speaker commissioned by Tinder Australia, says AI was being used more as a “sidekick” and that “Gen Z still wants to run the show”.

Apart from the increasing inroads of AI and the primacy of dating apps, the survey covers several other critical aspects including the balance between relationships and career progression.

Maintaining the work-love balance

For nearly 30% of respondents, a long-term romantic partner and career progress are equally important over a three-year horizon. 

However, over a seven-year timeframe, getting married (28%) supersedes career progression (26%) and personal growth (24%). The choice in the short term is not between love and work, but a desire for both to be in place.

Gen Z are also embracing a greater degree of fluidity—not just in terms of gender or sex, but also in areas like race, social class, and other key markers of identity. Marking a break from societies where relationships have traditionally severely been circumscribed by families and social class, 69% are open to dating across different races and cultures, and 67% willing to pursue relationships across borders. 

Tracking the evolution of chivalry

Chivalry still exists but it has been redefined. Women are less concerned about traditional gendered expectations such as picking up the tab or walking on the traffic side of the pavement. Instead, chivalry is defined by punctuality (43%) with equal weightage (41%) being assigned to respectful online conversations, and ensuring they get home safely. These meaningful gestures are taking over the more performative and dated notions surrounding chivalry. However, safety remains a key concern particularly on first dates, cited by 28% of respondents.

Speaking about the report, Papri Dev, VP communications APAC at Tinder said, “Given the rich cultural diversity that Asia Pacific holds, these modern dating trends reflect nuanced perspectives among Gen Z in the region, while still having similarities with a global Gen Z cohort. We wanted to take a closer look into how different cultures seek meaningful connections, as Gen Zs blend courtship tradition with the realities of a digitally connected world.”