In the online dating community, the lack of meaningful connections has led to increasing discouragement among users of outdated dating apps.

Social Discovery Group (SDG), a company behind over 70 online dating and social discovery sites and apps with a focus on AI technologies, has released a report on how the loneliness epidemic is influencing the use of dating apps. The study found that 67% of users turned to dating platforms and artificial intelligence to build both platonic and romantic relationships to reduce feelings of loneliness in the last year. The time users spent on these apps has increased by 35% since 2022.

• Gen Z is turning to online platforms for platonic relationships more than any other age group. 46% of Gen Zers use apps to avoid loneliness, compared to 15% of millennials and 9% of Gen Xers.

• AI features on apps help users increase confidence and build relationships:

  • 38% of men surveyed have used AI to help verbalize their needs and desires through generated prompts and talking points.

  • 64% said experimenting with AI has helped them better navigate arguments or disagreements in their real-life relationships.

• 56% of men and 62% of women are turning to online platforms to avoid feelings of loneliness.

• People seeking platonic relationships spend 28% more time chatting with these connections virtually compared to those seeking romantic partners.

• 71% of singles who choose not to meet their new matches in person reported that virtual messaging alone has given them a sense of companionship and decreased feelings of loneliness.

SDG leverages AI features to improve users’ success with online dating and help individuals combat loneliness.

“At Social Discovery Group, we're on a mission to combat the prevalent problem of loneliness with the help of digital reality. We see AI as a multifunctional tool that enhances our platforms, helping users find meaningful and long-lasting connections,” said Alex Kudos, CMO of Social Discovery Group.

Advanced AI algorithms analyze user data to deliver highly personalized and successful matches based on multiple criteria. AI moderation tools also ensure a safe and respectful online environment.

To help break the ice, AI suggests personalized conversation starters based on shared interests, facilitating meaningful interactions. For instance, Dating.com, a flagship SDG platform, provides an automated messaging system that sparks conversations based on user data and matching parameters. The AI-powered “Let’s Mingle” feature allows users to simultaneously send introductory messages to multiple individuals. Every 20 seconds, someone uses “Let’s Mingle” to send chat invitations.

Social Discovery Group believes AI can significantly reduce loneliness by providing support and enhancing the overall well-being of people in an increasingly digitized world. AI companions can offer personalized emotional advice without the judgment that many often feel when expressing themselves to loved ones. The Flure dating app, one of SDG’s investments, recently added an AI persona named Anna. The app's findings show that user conversations with Anna were, on average, twice as long as chats between two humans.

Social Discovery Group is one of the world’s largest social discovery companies, uniting over 70 brands with 500 million users. SDG addresses the problems of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection with the help of digital reality. Its products include international dating sites, social and entertainment apps with a focus on video streaming, AI technologies, and game mechanics. SDG products redefine how people interact and connect with each other.