A popular dating app is developing an AI chatbot that speaks queer slang. It will also help improve dating skills

What can we expect from the new AI assistant? It will be tasked with helping users keep track of their favourite conversations, suggest potential partners for long-term relationships or recommend suitable places for a first date. And not only that! This AI can also communicate with other AI companions to jointly discover potential "dealbreakers" - that is, points that could stand in the way of a potential relationship.

This puts Grindr among other dating apps like Bumble or Tinder that already use AI. But what makes this technology unique? Grindr has struck a deal with Ex-human, a specialist in "empathic generative AI", and together they are working to develop a version that will use specific queer slang. This will make conversations with the chatbot more authentic and tailored to the LGBT community.

Developing the communication is one thing, but it's good to focus on privacy as well , as Grindr has faced several controversies in the past over sensitive data leaks. In 2018, for example , it came to light that the app had shared information about its users' HIV statuses and locations with third parties, sparking a wave of criticism. These issues resulted in heavy fines from European regulators and even a ban on the app in the Chinese market.

That's why the privacy issue is now a key priority for Arison and the entire Grindr team. The development of the AI assistant is designed with an emphasis on ensuring that users can trust that their personal data will not be misused. The company is therefore placing a strong emphasis on transparent and secure data processing, which includes tighter control over who has access to that data. But what the outcome will actually be, we will have to wait more than two years to find out.

For now, only a small group of users are testing this innovation, but according to CEO George Arison, AI buddy should be available to up to 10,000 users by the end of 2025. This phased approach gives the app developers the opportunity to tweak the system and adapt it to the needs of the community before offering it to a wider range of users.