"people already use ChatGPT and AI to falsify their online profiles."
Over the last few years, artificial intelligence has become a big part of different life aspects, including online dating.
Researchers at Attractiontruth surveyed 1,371 men and found that 20% are using AI tools like ChatGPT to generate bios for their dating profiles.
They are also using such tools to create “tailored” and “captivating” messages that “resonated with their preferred matches.”
This is a creative way to improve your chances of landing a date and this will only increase when OpenAI’s Sora is available to the general public.
Sora can create videos that look and feel natural, all from a simple text prompt or image.
Although impressive, this technology will severely impact singletons as it will increase catfishing concerns.
When ChatGPT was released, searches for ‘AI Girlfriend’ soared.
Google Trends data says there was a 2,400% increase in search interests for this term.
We have seen several AI Girlfriends emerge. The likes of Anima and Romantic AI promise “the best girlfriend ever”.
Although strange, the demand is evident.
However, there is a darker side to AI being used in the online dating scene.
Between January 2023 and February 2024, there were 187,160 Google searches for terms related to ‘AI for dating profile’.
Some of those searches had more sinister motives in mind, with AI being used to falsify dating profiles and dupe unsuspecting people looking for love.
Why will this create a new wave of Catfishing?
Catfishing remains a big problem online, with many falling victim to scams at the hands of people who do not appear as they do online.
According to a 2020 survey, 41% of American adults said they had been catfished at some point in their life.
In the UK, 27% of online daters have been catfished.
Sadly, these numbers are expected to rise and the success rates will increase when Sora is released.
The natural solution to catfishing is to ask someone to send you a photo or video of them doing a particular task.
But by uploading a picture of yourself and prompting Sora to create a video, you can create a short, high-quality video, eliminating the traditional solution to the deception.
Singletons are already using ChatGPT to improve their dating chances, so why would they not do the same with Sora?
Relationship Expert Steve Phillips-Waller, of A Conscious Rethink, says:
“Sora AI is a double-edged sword.
“It demonstrates great AI progress, but on the other hand, it significantly amplifies the risk of catfishing, a deceit that already plagues the online dating world.
“The data clearly suggests people already use ChatGPT and AI to falsify their online profiles.
“We encourage online daters to be extra careful when the technology is released to validate their dating who they think they are.”
To ensure you avoid falling victim to catfishing, here are four tips.
Ask for a Video Chat before the 1st Date
A safe online dating tip when filtering out fake profiles is to request a video call.
It can be a regular call but video chatting is better.
Most people with AI-influenced fake profiles will be reluctant to have a call, especially if video is involved.
Obviously, scammers can deceive their victims much more easily through text messages and AI pictures.
If they were to agree to a call, they would probably reveal themselves as fraudsters.
Therefore, if someone declines a (video) call, it’s possible you’re interacting with a bogus profile.
However, it’s also conceivable that you’re engaging with someone genuinely interested in meeting up.
In such instances, initiating a video or standard call is beneficial. It allows you to assess the other user’s intentions and character to some extent, potentially preventing hazardous situations.
Avoid Connecting Dating Profiles to other Platforms
While it may seem convenient to log in to a dating app using your Facebook or primary Google account, it’s highly advisable to avoid this practice due to potential privacy risks.
Consider the implications: you’re linking a profile meant for friends and family to a platform where you’ll engage with lots of people you don’t know.
Instead, opt for an alternative login method that doesn’t compromise your privacy. For example, create a Google account with random information that does not contain personal data.
Choose Pictures you don’t Use Elsewhere
Engaging in a reverse image search poses a risk as it allows individuals to potentially exploit your dating profile pictures.
By utilising tools like Google Search, they can track down other web pages featuring the same images, potentially uncovering your personal information, even if undisclosed in your dating profile.
To mitigate this risk, it’s advisable to exclusively use images on your dating profile that are unique and not used elsewhere.
This includes refraining from allowing Tinder or other dating apps to automatically import pictures from platforms like Facebook or other social media accounts.
Delete/Deactivate your Account
Have you discovered your soul mate or decided to step away from casual dating?
Regardless of your choice, here’s a crucial online dating tip: delete or deactivate your dating account when you’re finished dating.
Deleting your profile will remove most of your personal information from the dating platform.
This makes it much harder for others to misuse your data.
The intersection of AI and online dating brings forth a multitude of opportunities and challenges.
More people are using AI to improve their chances of a match.
However, the pervasive use of AI in crafting dating profiles and messages also introduces a new dimension of vulnerability, opening the door wider to potential catfishing and deceit.
As individuals increasingly rely on AI-driven assistance to curate their online personas and interactions, it becomes imperative to remain vigilant against the risks it entails.
While AI can optimise our dating endeavours, it’s essential to balance its benefits with a cautious approach.
Embracing technological advancements in online dating should go hand in hand with a commitment to safeguarding personal integrity and authenticity.