Dating apps & devices offer bizarre services to post-pandemic Gen Z

Technology is transforming the online dating world for lazy Gen Z users. It’s old news that dating apps like OkCupid, Tinder, Aisle, and Bumble are overused. The dating game is a whole new ballgame. There are apps out there that offer bizarre services, thanks to lazy Gen Zers and a change in perspective. And these apps are all boarding the AI bandwagon.

AI has been changing so much in our lives that it sometimes the mind takes a step back just to comprehend. A Reuters story about a man who had a three-year full-blown relationship (complete with sexting) with an AI-designed avatar called Lily Rose almost feels like a storyline from a futuristic movie. Replika, the app he used applies AI technology similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Who knew the 2013 American science-fiction romantic drama film ‘her’ starring Joaquin Phoenix would come true?

Then, there is a Gen Z dating app Snack that lets an AI-trained avatar go on dates so that the person doesn’t have to. Leveraging AI, the app lets users create an AI-trained avatar, which first goes out into Snack’s virtual dating world to break the ice with other users. Based on what the avatar thinks, the user decides whether to go in for an actual date in real life.

The pandemic changed our social lives, maybe beyond recognition. Looking at how people sought social connectivity and physical intimacy, a Chinese startup invented a long-distance kissing device that works by transmitting a user’s kiss data, which it gathers via motion sensors built into silicon lips. Apparently, among the complaints received was the device’s lack of tongue.

The pandemic was a weird time. As everyone’s online presence increased, and physical world presence decreased, several, in fact a little too many, apps popped up to help us stay connected. Now that the pandemic can be said to be over, many of those apps fizzled out or saw downloads drop like the game Among Us, video chat app Marco Polo, and the live audio app Clubhouse. Just as an indication, Zoom reduced 15% of its work force, while Epic Games stopped the group video app Houseparty, and Meta axed its Portal devices.

However, some of them, not only did continue to thrive, but they have completely changed our lives as we knew them. Remote work is the new office for many, employers that don’t allow it are being frowned upon. Gen Z and Millennials are embracing lifestyles we only saw in sci-fi. Online gaming and esports are added attractions to our entertainment services.

It’s old news that dating apps like OkCupid, Tinder, Aisle, and Bumble are overused. The dating game is a whole new ballgame

A survey of social indicators shows that Indian mindsets have changed (quite a feat). According to a survey by extramarital dating app, Gleeden, the traditional socio-cultural norms in India are changing. The survey revealed that the infidelity rate is almost the same in both big metropolises and smaller towns (58% vs 56%), that would explain why the Gleeden app has seen an increase in subscribers coming from Tier 2 cities, such as Bhopal, Gurugram, Vadodara, Navi Mumbai, Kochi, Thane, Dehradun, Patna, Nashik, and Guwahati especially.

These views are more prominent after the pandemic, with almost a quarter of Indians having changed their views towards infidelity due to the pandemic and are no longer against it. Over 50% of them stated that lockdown restrictions played a vital role in changing mindset towards infidelity.

Sybil Shiddell, Country Manager, India shares, “It is truly fascinating to witness the evolving mindset of Indian society when it comes to relationships and marriage. Our latest survey shows that people are increasingly challenging traditional socio-cultural norms and embracing a more open and liberal approach.”

Navanwita Bora Sachdev

Navanwita is the editor of The Tech Panda who also frequently publishes stories in news outlets such as The Indian Express, Entrepreneur India, and The Business Standard