AI in dating: a double-edged tool that calls for judgment, not panic or blind faith

By WBOC TV · October 28, 2026.

All we have on this story is its headline: WBOC TV, a local U.S. station, has published a video report describing artificial intelligence in dating as "a double-edged sword." We have not been able to access the video's content. For that reason, we cannot attribute figures, specific apps or expert statements, and we will not make them up.

Our take, which is opinion and not a fact drawn from the report: the "double-edged" framing is reasonable, but it's only useful if made concrete. In general, AI in personal relationships tends to be used to help write messages, polish profiles or filter matches. The risk there is a loss of authenticity: if an algorithm writes for you, the other person ends up getting to know the algorithm. Fraud and impersonation are also a concern, as AI makes fake profiles and romance scams cheaper.

The thesis we hold is simple. AI works as an assistant, not as a substitute for the person. It helps when it removes friction, such as shyness or difficulty writing. It harms when it outsources what gives a relationship its value, which is real presence and mutual trust. In the short term, the sensible course is to demand transparency from platforms about their use of AI and to build some digital literacy against scams. In the long term, tools that help people meet others without misrepresenting themselves could reduce loneliness, a social problem of the first order.

If the report provides concrete data, we will incorporate it once we can verify it.