AI in Dating and Social Apps: Staying Safe and Genuine

AI features are now built into dating and social apps, and into the scams that target their users.

• Matching and recommendations based on behaviour and preferences.
• Profile and message suggestions.
• Photo analysis and verification.
• Safety features: detecting harassment, nudity or suspicious accounts.
• Chatbots and AI companions that simulate relationships.

• Fake profiles using AI-generated photos and scripted chat.
• Romance scams: long, emotional conversations that end in requests for money, crypto or "investments".
• Deepfake video and voice used to pass as someone else.
• Sextortion: threats to share real or fabricated images.
• Catfishing with AI-polished messages.
• Data collection: intimate details and photos.
• Over-reliance on AI-written messages, which can feel inauthentic.

1. Reverse-image search profile photos.
2. Insist on live video and be alert to glitches, but remember fakes improve.
3. Never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you haven't met in person, however convincing.
4. Be wary of moving to private channels quickly.
5. Don't share intimate images or sensitive personal details.
6. Meet in public and tell a friend your plans.
7. Report and block suspicious accounts.
8. Check privacy settings and what the app does with your data.

A little help with wording is fine, but people want to meet you. Use AI to polish, not to impersonate.

Stop contact, keep evidence, don't pay, report to the platform and to the authorities, and talk to someone you trust. You are not to blame.

Enjoy connection, but verify people, protect your data and never send money to someone you haven't met.