TECH4GOOD
During my younger days, people used to meet potential partners through acquaintances, in the workplace, or at social gatherings. Many activities in modern life have changed due to the digital age in which we live, and looking for love is no exception. The rise of social media has made it more convenient for people to meet online, including for dating.
Today, we find thousands of dating apps, such as Tinder and Bumble, where people can meet possible mates discreetly, quickly, and without much social pressure. Seekers are also turning to social media platforms for more than just networking and professional purposes. Some individuals have even started using LinkedIn, the widely used professional networking platform, to find romantic connections.
From Facebook to Instagram to TikTok, these social media platforms have become integral to society because of their convenience, vast reach, and ability to transcend geographical boundaries. They have revolutionized not only how we communicate but also how we find and form romantic relationships.
A surprising recent development is LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking site, apparently becoming more than a place to find jobs. A new survey finds people, mainly Gen Z, are turning to LinkedIn to see dates! A study by StudyFinds Research found that, for those aged 35 to 40, a walloping 61 percent found a date on the professional networking platform. These results are beginning to change the image of LinkedIn as a career-centric media platform where people would typically create profiles listing their work history and use it to connect with others within their industry, learn new skills, and scout for jobs. LinkedIn prefers to maintain itself as a professional network rather than a dating platform.
With the dawn of AI, we are seeing significant transformations in how we use dating apps and social media platforms to look for possible partners, which was once only imagined in science fiction. Riding this wave, AI-powered dating apps use advanced algorithms to analyze and interpret user data, raising the potential for even more personalized and successful matches. Many dating apps and online platforms are exploiting the power of AI to introduce new approaches to intelligent matchmaking.
According to Statista, the revenues of the online dating industry hit US$1.66 billion in 2019 and are expected to continue rising at an annual rate of 4.2 percent until the end of 2023. This growth is driven mainly by the lockdowns, which forced many people to do everything online, and millennials looking for partners in more than 1,500 dating apps and websites running around the world, as reported by Medium.com. Another survey conducted by Rosenfield, Thomas & Hausen in 2019 says that over 40 percent of people in established relationships met their current partners online.
Online dating could be a convenient way to meet new people but also a convenient way for people to deceive others. This is of increasing public concern, given the growing use of dating apps and social media platforms. There are risks associated with dating platforms, especially the more popular social media platforms where control is loose.
Catfishing, or using a fake online persona to lure someone into a false relationship, has grown increasingly common in recent years. It happens when people intentionally misrepresent themselves online by spinning false stories about them. It typically stays online because, from the very start, it is plain and simple deception. Some catfishing schemes are intended to trick victims out of money or sensitive personal information.
Being mindful of our safety must be an essential first step when getting into a relationship. We all need to exercise caution especially when a person seems to be “too good to be true.” If the profile of the person’s online friends is mostly the same as you are, it is very possible that they are also being victimized by a deceptive relationship. When they refuse to meet up in person or even a video call, request sensitive information, pictures, or money, that should already worry you.
In this month of love, as we navigate the web of online dating, the fusion of AI and the phenomenon of catfishing and other risks adds both intrigue and caution. Loneliness can make us long for a relationship. Our digital hearts flutter with anticipation as algorithms match us with potential partners, yet lurking in the shadows are those who weave elaborate tales to deceive. As we swipe, chat, and fall in love, let us remain vigilant, for every profile picture lies a story that is either genuine or fabricated. Let us then proceed with caution.