Study reveals millennials & Gen Z are head over heels for AI dating profiles

Nicoli's 3,000-person global study aimed to demonstrate how easy it is to mistake a fake profile for a real one. When shown a selection of profiles, 60% classified as “real” and 40% as AI-generated, 57% of study participants believed they could spot a fake dating profile if they came across one. However, when presented with 10 profiles made up of six authentic and four AI-generated accounts, 62% failed to identify the fakes.

The younger generation of adults (18-24) backed themselves the most regarding AI-spotting abilities, with 72% confidently believing they could do so. Yet, more than half (55%) didn’t select the AI images when confronted with them. The 55+ age group struggled the most, with 32% believing all profiles were real, making them the most vulnerable to deception. 

Here are Nicoli's tips on how to navigate online dating to avoid your next bae being a byte:

1. Look out for inconsistencies in photos and text, run reverse image searches and trust your instincts if something feels off. As much as we want to believe in a fairy-tale romance, it’s always better to approach online love with a mix of optimism and caution.
2. Ask to add them on social media. Though there may be more images on there that are AI-generated, you will soon get an idea of whether they have a close group of friends and family and a general understanding of who they are.
3. Zoom in on the images. Images that have been artificially crafted often feature lots of freckles, super bright eyes and often blurred/soft edges that can look like a gentle filter. Looking for these telltale signs can be helpful.