The cases — from Michigan and California — echo issues raised in a now-defunct suit against then-President Donald Trump for blocking his critics on Twitter.

Can public officials block you on social media? It's up to the Supreme Court

At issue before the Supreme Court is the intersection between government officials, social media users and the First Amendment.

Supreme Court considers when the government can block followers on social media

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How Airport Concessions Can Win With Social Media Ads

It’s a rare issue that can bring 41 states together for a bipartisan fight. This week, state attorneys general across the political spectrum joined forces in suing Facebook parent company Meta for allegedly using features on Instagram and other platforms that hook young users,

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Americans are broadly united in support of laws to make the internet safer for kids. So why won’t Congress act?

Why Congress Keeps Failing to Protect Kids Online

Direct social assistance, initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is a "visionary" program, said French essayist and journalist Jérôme Besnard. "In concrete terms, it's a question of helping the most vulnerable Moroccan families out of their precarious situation,

Direct Social Assistance, a 'Visionary' Program (French Jurist)

Donald Trump’s social media addiction may soon cost him big time.Judge Tanya Chutkan on Sunday reinstated an October 16 gag order on the former president in his federal election subervsion trial, denying a request to freeze the order while his defense scrambles to appeal it,

Trump’s Latest Truth Social Posts Look Awfully Anti–Gag Order

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock. 2. Social Media Algorithms and Mental Health In the quest for social media algorithms that foster well-being instead of addiction, a social media user wishes the platform would encourage less usage. The negative impact of such ...

“Should Social Media Be Banned” These 10 Legal Things Should Be Banned Soon

Manchester United talent Alejandro Garnacho is facing FA disciplinary action after a controversial social media post about team-mate Andre Onana. The 19-year-old put the since-deleted post on his Twitter after Onana's heroic penalty save helped the Red ...

Alejandro Garnacho 'gorilla' emoji tweet: Onana defends social media post with FA probe likely

Badoo

badoo

Dating websites and apps have transformed the way people connect, offering a unique digital playground for romance and relationships. As a software engineer, I have always found dating apps fascinating. Why? Because they encase an intriguing blend of challenges that span UI/UX design, real-time communication, security, and data analytics; and as an engineer, challenges fire me up! Coincidentally, this quality also makes dating apps an ideal case study for aspiring developers. In this article, you will find guidelines for building a dating app from scratch. We will delve into crucial elements like understanding your audience, defining your value proposition, and exploring viable monetization strategies. And finally, we will walk through a simplified system design to create a Minimum Viable Product for your app. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a novice desiring to make a mark in the digital dating arena, I invite you to join me on the enticing journey of crafting a cutting-edge dating app. Business Design Before we dive into the details of coding and design, we must lay a solid foundation by defining your dating app’s business aspects. Think of this section as your roadmap, one that will guide you through the vital decisions that will shape the user experience and long-term viability of your app before you write a single line of code. Roll up your sleeves, and let's get into the essentials of business design. Step 1. Understand your audience Demographic Insights: Conduct thorough research on your target audience's age, location, gender, and cultural background. Behavioral Patterns: Analyze user behavior on existing dating apps to understand preferences, habits, and pain points. User Surveys: Collect direct feedback through surveys or interviews to gain deeper insights into user expectations and desires. Tech Comfort: Assess the level of tech-savviness to tailor the app's interface and features accordingly. Step 2. Define your value proposition Unique Features: Identify and emphasize features that make your app stand out, whether it is advanced matching algorithms, innovative communication tools, or enhanced security measures. User Experience (UX): Prioritize a seamless and enjoyable user experience, focusing on intuitive navigation and visually appealing design. Brand Story: Craft a compelling brand story that will resonate with users and communicate the mission and values of your dating app. Step 3. Explore monetization strategy options Freemium Models: Offer basic features for free while charging for premium features. In-App Purchases: Integrate virtual goods or services that users can purchase to boost their experience. Subscription Plans: Implement tiered subscription plans, providing different levels of access or perks based on user preferences. Ad Revenue: Consider incorporating non-intrusive ads to generate revenue without compromising user experience. Step 4. Consider partnerships and integrations Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with complementary services or platforms to enhance the overall user experience. Social Media Integrations: Enable users to seamlessly connect their profiles with social media accounts for a more authentic experience. Event Collaborations: Partner with local events and businesses to facilitate real-world interactions and community building. API Integrations: Explore integrating APIs for features like location services, payment gateways, or third-party authentication. UI/UX and Tools to Build It Now that we have outlined our business strategy, it is time to delve into the user interface and experience. Below, you will find some fundamental design principles and tools you will need to bring your vision to life. Prioritize a user-friendly interface Intuitive Navigation: Design an interface that users can navigate effortlessly. Minimize the learning curve with a simple and logical user flow. User-Centric Approach: Consider user preferences and behaviors to create an interface that meets their expectations. Design visually appealing profiles and interactive features Engaging Visuals: Craft visually appealing profiles that capture attention. Utilize high-quality images and a consistent design language. Interactive Elements: Implement features that encourage user interaction. This could include swipe gestures, engaging animations, or personalized avatars. Use prototyping tools like Sketch or Figma for UI design: Sketch: A vector-based design tool for creating user interfaces. It facilitates the creation of wireframes, mockups, and prototypes with ease. Figma: An interface design tool that allows real-time collaboration, making it suited for teamwork and feedback integration. Ensure a seamless and enjoyable user experience throughout your app: Consistent Design Language: Maintain a consistent design language across all screens to provide a cohesive user experience. User Testing: Conduct usability testing to identify potential pain points and areas for improvement. Accessibility: Make sure the app is accessible to users with diverse needs, including those with disabilities. System Design In this final section, I will outline inspired by apps like Tinder and Badoo. Before delving into the technical details, it is crucial to conduct a preliminary assessment, taking into account key metrics such as the initial number of users (with projections for future growth), requests per second (RPS), and other relevant parameters. a simplified system design This preliminary analysis will enable you to estimate potential expenses, encompassing cloud infrastructure, workforce requirements, and other performance benchmarks. For the purposes of this article, we will not delve into considerations for extreme loads, as our primary focus is on constructing a Minimum Viable Product. ; hence, we will aim to strike a balance where users don't experience prolonged wait times for page loading. However, even in MVP, optimizing user experience is crucial System design includes several major services: Users clients that depend on business needs such as an Android application, iOS application, or website. Load distributor. In our case, we will use the NGINX reverse proxy responsible for distributing requests all over the nodes, and the distribution mechanism will be round-robin. Backend API to communicate with all the services in the project, including the database, cache, SMS/Email services, and queue (in our case – SQS AWS). Backend queue reader service – a service to read messages from SQS queues (I will provide an explanation of why we need it below). Database. We will use PostgreSQL, but there are other reliable options like MongoDB. Cache - Memcache/Redis. The general mechanism will work the following way. Let’s assume we have a new user – the flow will fit into a few steps: r has to register and complete a KYC check (for example, to prove that the user is over 18): A new use Send the first request to the server with the user’s information and ID scan. This operation may take some time, as too many users may want to join simultaneously. Therefore, we can simply save documents to AWS S3 storage and send the message to SQS AWS. In due time, the queue reader service will take the message from the queue and handle all the docs using specialized AI for reading data from the docs. In this case, the user doesn’t have to wait for the response since the app will notify them that KYC has been completed, and the user can begin swiping. The API has to include the following topics: BackendAPI. Authentication, sign-up actions such as KYC, providing user details, etc. An API for user notifications: pushes, email, and messages. Subsidiary APIs, e.g., an API to send messages to SQS. Matchmaking mechanism API. since in our case we used PostgreSQL and AWS RDS, we should strictly regulate the app’s pooling mechanism to manage all the load heading our way. Database interaction: keep here all the data we will use most often. Caching: : The matchmaking mechanism To implement it, we need to employ some periodic task system. One of the solutions that can be used is AWS Lambda. For example, we can configure that every hour, we send a message to SQS, and the queue reader service takes it and, based on users already present in the database, we generate matches and fill the database. Accordingly, when the user swipes right, we put it to the likes table, otherwise – to dislikes. This data can be later used to suggest more relevant candidates to the user. Conclusion We have covered a lot of ground together, from crafting your business strategy to diving into UI/UX principles and even touching on system design. And remember, creating a dating app is not just about code but about building meaningful connections between people. As you work on your dating app, aim not just to fit into existing trends but to offer something new. The magic lies in the details – listening to user feedback, continuous feature refinement, and a focus on user experience can transform your app from good to unforgettable. You are the architect behind the next digital love story – make it one for the ages!

Melding Hearts and Algorithms:
Building a Dating App From Scratch in 2023

Imagine you are a product manager building a digital product where users can interact with each other and post their own content. It can be anything, a dating app, online store, messenger or even a fitness app with social mechanics. What can potentially go wrong? Well, many things. For example: Catfishing, Scams, Unsolicited Images, Harassment, Abuse, Stalking, Data Leaks, Impersonation, Spam, and much more. How will you make sure that your users have a safe and secure experience while using your product? And why product managers should care? Importance of Privacy and Security Features Threats can happen on every step of the user’s journey, including registration, login, and both in-product and real-life experiences, which we will review in this article. However, before we dive into examples of privacy and security features, let's talk about three main reasons why it is important to consider them from the beginning of the development of your new product or feature. [01] Regulatory requirements The first reason why you need to care about privacy and security features is regulatory requirements. Each market has its own set of regulations, so you need to review what applies to your markets. To put things into perspective, since GDPR came into effect in 2018, digital companies have been fined over 4 billion euros. [02] Competitive advantage The second reason, is that you can use privacy and security features for your product’ competitive advantage. People becoming more aware of the potential risks associated with using digital products. As a result, companies that prioritise these features can gain a competitive advantage and attract more users and customers to their product. According to the 2022 McKinsey research on Digital Trust, 87% of respondents consider ethical and trusted reputation, as well as the amount of collected personal data, to be nearly as important as common purchase decision factors, such as cost (94%) and convenience (92%). Here are a couple of examples of how privacy and security features were used as competitive advantage and even got their own ads. A 2-minute ad explaining how Badoo, a dating app, fights against unwanted images in their app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlFJ6UQdZnI&ab_channel=Badoo&embedable=true A WhatsApp ad about end-to-end encryption of users’ communication: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvI4cVGWJhM&list=PLFzkEpkFIWT4acS64AzADZkGlAN5Q-pYu&index=3&ab_channel=WhatsApp&embedable=true [03] Building Trust and Loyalty with your users One negative incident can result in losing a user forever, and acquiring a new one can cost five to seven times more than retaining an existing one. This is why it is very important to ensure you have a great relationships with your existing users. In the same 2022 McKinsey research on Digital Trust 40% of respondents stopped buying from a company either because they disagreed with its ethical principles or because they learned of a data breach. By proactively preventing abuse and harassment and protecting users’ personal information you not only create a safer environment but also help to build trust and loyalty to your product which results in higher user retention and stickiness. Each step of the user journey is an opportunity for your product to build trust with your users through demonstration of benevolence, integrity, and ability (the main fundamentals of trust). How to Prioritise What to Build First There are many different privacy and security features that can be added to digital products to build trust and loyalty with users. In this article, we will review some examples from successful products. However, before we will dive into it, let’s discuss how can you prioritise what to build first. Here is my 3 steps framework which can help you to prepare your privacy and security roadmap, when working on a new product or a feature: Consider how your product of feature can be misused Does the feature consider social interactions (meeting, selling, buying etc)? Will users be able to upload UGC (user generated content)? Measure the associated risk What’s the rollout plan and how many users will be exposed to this feature? What media titles could arise about your products if this feature is misused? Decide whether you want to be proactive or reactive in mitigating this risk If proactive – include privacy and security features into the roadmap, think about if you can use them into your Go-To-Market campaign If reactive – ensure that monitoring of the risk is in place. Privacy and Security Features Throughout a User’s Journey In this section, we will review the privacy and security features that successful products use to build trust and loyalty with their users throughout the user's journey. Note: Based on the product nature various methods to ensure user privacy and security can be used. In this article, I will focus primarily on user-facing features that can help build trust between your product and its users. The list of features is not exhaustive and used as an example. Registration and Onboarding The registration and onboarding processes are the first touch points with your product. This is a chance to start building trust by sharing your product guidelines, being transparent about your data privacy policy, and providing users with security tips such as password policies and common scams to be aware of. By implementing password policies, app developers are demonstrating their commitment to protecting their users' personal information and keeping it out of the hands of cybercriminals. The best products not only implement such policies, but also make them easy for users to understand and incorporate. Password policies. A code of conduct is a powerful tool to build trust with users. It outlines your values and principles, and demonstrates your commitment to fairness, respect, and ethical behaviour when interacting with your company. Code of Conduct. Although privacy policies can be lengthy and dense, breaking them down into easily digestible sections can highlight the most important aspects to your users. This can build trust by demonstrating benevolence. Privacy Information. Offering guidance and educational materials during the registration process to inform users about best practices, online safety tips, and potential risks. This helps promote responsible and safe usage of the app. User Education. Login During the login process, it is crucial to ensure that users accounts are well-protected. Communicating the measures taken to protect user accounts can increase their confidence in the security of the product and generate greater trust leading to increased customer loyalty. 2FA adds an additional verification step, such as a unique code sent via SMS or generated by an authentication app, to log in to the app. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). To prevent unauthorised access, some products automatically lock out user accounts after a certain number of failed login attempts. Account Lockouts . Apps can also have a device recognition technology to identify and flag unrecognised devices during login attempts. Users may be prompted for additional verification or receive notifications to verify the legitimacy of the login. Device Recognition. Some apps keep a log of user login activity and display it to users. This enables users to review their recent logins, identify any suspicious activity, and take appropriate action if needed. Login Activity Monitoring. If the app has a login flow, it must have a secure account recovery process, allowing users to regain access to their accounts in case of forgotten passwords or compromised accounts. Sometimes it can involve identity verification and additional security measures. Account Recovery Flow. Some apps implement session timeouts to automatically log users out after a period of inactivity, reducing the risk of unauthorised access if a user leaves their device unattended. Session Management. In-product Experience Once users register and log in, they start using your product. This is a great opportunity to build trust by showing support and proactively mitigating any risks that may arise. Some apps encourage (or sometimes require) users to undergo additional verification steps, such as identity verification or linking social media accounts, to increase trust between users. User Verification. These tools are added to report, review, and monitor user-generated content within the product and other users. This helps prevent the display of inappropriate, offensive or harmful content and ensures a positive user experience. Content and User Reporting. For example, the ability to block, report, or mute other users to avoid unwanted interactions or features to hide inappropriate content. Self-protection tools. Ability to customise privacy settings, including who can see their content or contact them, to maintain control over users’ personal information and interactions. Privacy Controls. To ensure safe communication (messaging, calls) apps add end-to-end encryption, anti-spam filters, and mechanisms to prevent the sharing of personal information or malicious links. . Safe Communication Some apps provide in-app educational materials, safety tips, and resources to promote awareness of common scams, privacy settings, and best practices for online safety. User Education and Safety Resources. In-Real-Life Experience Developing an app with social mechanics requires considering potential real-life interactions and the associated risks. While such interactions may not be the app's direct responsibility, any negative outcomes could harm the company's reputation. Educating users about safety measures and providing tools for risk mitigation demonstrates benevolence and builds trust. Some apps have a system where users can leave reviews and ratings for others based on their real-life interactions. This helps establish trust and provides transparency about other users' experiences. User Reviews and Ratings. Provide users with guidelines on safe practices for meeting in person. This may include suggestions such as meeting in public places, informing a trusted friend or family member about the meeting, and exercising caution when sharing personal information. Safe Meeting Guidelines. Enable users to report any safety concerns or incidents that occur during real-life meetings. Reporting and Emergency Assistance.

How Digital Products Protect Users From Disaster

281 Stories To Learn About Mobile Apps

Hi everyone. My name is Ivan Prokofyev, I am a payment fraud lead and this is my first (hope not last) post. HackerNoon I have over 10 years of experience in the fraud prevention domain. In my career, I’ve spent time working at Tinkoff Bank, ForexClub(aka LibertEx), Gett, and Booking.com. I’ve also worked on a couple of projects with Sbermarket. I’m currently working in Bumble(Badoo). A bit more about myself: Experience in these companies allowed me to work in different domains and different business models where fraud prevention was part of IT, Security, Marketing, Finance, and Operations. Most of my fraud positions were related to payment fraud (everything which relates to credit cards, PayPal, and the rest of payment methods such as Klarna, boleto, etc). I also have experience working with marketing abuse (coupon, loyalty fraud), collusion, resellers, etc. In today’s post, I’ll aim to answer the following questions: Do you need fraud prevention as well as cybersecurity? Why do you need a Fraud Specialist? Why is it hard for a Business Analyst to become a Fraud Analyst? Why does a fraud specialist have to know how to work with SQL? Let’s get to it! 1. Do we need fraud prevention if we already have cybersecurity? Cybersecurity and fraud prevention are 2 different professions that respond to different aspects of a business. Work in cybersecurity focuses more on access, DDOS attacks, protecting devices, networks, data breaches, etc. Fraud prevention covers payment disputes, coupon abuse, testing fraudulent credit cards, reselling services or/and goods, etc. There is of course overlap and both areas aim to protect companies from financial loss. However, expecting a cybersecurity expert to handle fraud prevention cases and vice versa is not the right approach and may cause issues for both sides because the focuses are so different. This would be the equivalent of expecting a Backend Developer to work on the Front end — it might be achieved, but the time and resources wouldn’t be used effectively. TL;DR point 1: Cybersecurity and fraud prevention are 2 different professions. Cybersecurity is about protecting your infrastructure, while fraud prevention is about protecting your business processes. 2. Why do you need a Fraud Specialist? . This is only the number of confirmed losses that have to be opened to the public, the real numbers are expected to be much higher. It was ± 17B$ two years ago in 2020 and the prediction for 2023 is ± 50B$. Payment fraud losses were ± 41B$ in 2022 This should be reason enough! But let’s not stop there. Whenever a company decides to start accepting payments there are several payment fraud prevention options: In-house solution (An in-house fraud team). Payment provider solution with a guaranteed high acceptance rate and low fraud decline rate. An external solution that prevents all possible fraud. However, it is important to remember when choosing one of the last two solutions that you need to have someone on your side. Otherwise, solutions will focus on their own success, not the protection of your interests. What could go wrong? Without regular communication, the company can face an increase in reject rate, decline payments from genuine customers, and chargeback(dispute numbers) will grow, which can lead to consequences such as fraud/dispute programs from Payment systems ( , , Amex, etc) and as a result initiate even more declines from banks because the company becomes risky and on top of this there will be a monthly fee, starting from 10k $. Visa MasterCard Fraud specialists will lead all conversations with providers, communicate about changes on the business side, feedback about false positive declines with requests to review solutions, and most importantly keep your company away from fraud/dispute programs. You might think that if you’re not working with payments, you don’t need Fraud Specialists, and you might be right. It might be true. For example, in some regions even when you accept payments, domestic fraud is so low and you will never have a rate higher than 0.001%. But these markets have other fraud risks, which you might have never known about. Let’s take as an example “Invite friends”. I believe each of you knows about these marketing campaigns. After launching the campaign most of the time all dashboards/charts show only the growing number of new customers. But if you start to analyze “new” customers you might find that 20 new users are related to one email or phone. The main account already has a super high balance and 20 accounts will never have any activities after being created. In the end, you have misleading information and expectations from numbers. Businesses that work with 3rd party companies or people (for example delivery or taxi services) are faced with collusion and fake orders which cost a lot. For these cases, you have to have a fraud specialist, that will focus on analyzing all these areas, work closely with the product team and find and resolve cases that affect company revenue. Also, preventing you from making a decision when you don’t have any fraud, but also don’t have any orders and customers. It is very difficult to prevent fraud and keep it under a specific level to make sure that the business is operating and all fraud prevention solutions aren’t affecting real customers and prevent only fraudsters. TL;DR point 2: Fraud losses are growing year over year. The worse the economic situation, the more fraud there is. External providers are good but better to have someone on your side to focus on your company’s interests. Fraud isn’t just about fake credit cards. It also relates to coupons, collusion, etc. 3. Why is it hard for a business analyst to become a fraud analyst? I know some people who started out as Business Analysts and became amazing Fraud Analysts, but it’s not always the case. Usually, when Business Analysts are asked to work on fraud prevention, it starts with simple requests from the business side — define fraud or fish out fraudulent activity. This task doesn’t contain enough information or clarity about fraud and what fraud actually means. Analysts will usually start analyzing traffic and identifying anomalous activity. For example, 20 orders in a specific area at a time you would usually find three. After a couple of these attempt approaches, the percentage of fraud (usually it is 5–7%, in some cases 17–20%) is erroneously defined, and the “party” begins. Everyone stops their work and tries to find out why we have so much fraud. Unfortunately, finding anomalies is not enough even if it is a good process. But finding anomalies, reviewing the number of orders, finding a pattern, linking issues, and explaining why they are fraudulent is different. On top of this, fraud prevention requires manual work, most of the time, and it becomes boring for business analysts. They lose motivation and are ready to switch to another project. Finding a pattern is not the end of the story, the hardest part is to make a decision and say — yes it is fraud and we have to block these accounts and refund money back to prevent more losses. Additionally, it's important to note that while business analysts typically rotate between departments, focusing solely on fraud allows for a deeper understanding of emerging trends and potential risks. With fraud, there are no established manuals or descriptions outlining how to identify it, so it requires sustained focus and expertise. Waiting three months to uncover fraudulent activity while calculating EBITDA can prove challenging without this specialized knowledge TL;DR point 3: Business Analysts can make excellent Fraud Analysts but the skills needed for the roles are very different. Not every analyst wants to find fraud, review orders, and review conspiracy theories. Fraud Analysts can’t be rotated as you’ll have a risk of missing trends. 4. Why does a fraud specialist have to know SQL? It's much easier to detect issues and solve problems when equipped with the proper tools. For instance, identifying suspicious orders, analyzing historical data, and recognizing current trends can be done swiftly through SQL queries (or Python, R, etc.). Conversely, manually comparing multiple Excel files or examining orders individually and recording them in a text document can be a time-consuming process that may result in outdated information by the time the task is complete. If you intend to employ a fraud specialist without SQL expertise, it may make sense under specific circumstances, such as: outsourcing work to an external provider whose primary focus is reviewing individual orders, having a dedicated analytical resource to provide full support, or employing junior specialists to assist a skilled individual who understands how to work with databases. While Python or R may offer additional options for data analysis and pattern recognition, my view is that SQL suffices. Nonetheless, some companies, including large ones, still require expertise in Excel, and SQL is viewed as an added advantage. TL;DR point 4: Without SQL, Python, or other tools that allow you to work with big data, you can work to a maximum of 50 orders per day. SQL is a must-have. The information above is based on my experience and situations that I have encountered in different companies. Also published here. Lead image from giphy.

Do You Need to Hire a Fraud Specialist?

Online dating is still so popular that there are countless new startups in the space. Often, young founders will start businesses in the online dating niche because of their own experiences with more widely known apps like Bumble, OkCupid and Match.com. While there is plenty of room for growth in the market, I also know that some challenges need to be addressed. Five problems, in particular, are not necessarily apparent to new founders, but they can be the difference between success and failure in a competitive industry. Here are the five non-obvious issues I have experienced while reviewing dating companies as an investor. Dating apps are transactional by nature. The primary goal of an online dating app or website is to help users find a perfect match. Of course, this means that the best apps have the highest churn rates because they've fulfilled their purpose, and people no longer need their services. So, here's the paradox: The better the company is at its mission, the faster its users stop delivering value. On the surface, this can suck away a founder's motivation to do well at their job of matchmaking. After all, the purpose of any business is to grow and be profitable. Founders should consider other avenues for retention when developing a business plan. For example, an option to search for platonic matches or non-date hangouts would give users a reason to keep returning. Lack of interesting content. If you've ever used a dating app, you know how quickly it can become boring, especially if you don't have any new matches or messages. Many founders don't think about a common problem: chats often become meaningless, and there's no other content to view on the platform. To combat this, many new startups are incorporating alternative content such as celebrity webinars, AR features, AI dating assistants, games and even educational videos. Most dating apps have limited scalability due to geography. Dating apps typically base matches on a user's GPS location. Since most people hope to find a match close by, this makes sense. Companies like Tinder, Badoo and Bumble all operate this way. However, from a business standpoint, this model is nearly impossible to scale in a meaningful way. Companies have to launch city by city, which requires a substantial amount of time, effort and capital. Such a slow and uncertain process doesn't look good to investors. An alternate approach would be to consider ideas such as international dating. People are increasingly interested in virtual hangouts. This means there's potential for an app that connects people internationally with no immediate intention of meeting in person. This could also help people with social anxiety and similar struggles ease their way into making meaningful connections. High rates of scammers across the industry. An unfortunate problem that the online dating industry faces is the issue of scammers and spammers. Recent reports say anywhere from of . In addition, online daters reported in 2021 alone. 10-20 percent online dating profiles are fake losing $547 million in romance scams These scammers not only harm the overall user experience but substantially worsen the metrics for investors. Some of the less trustworthy platforms will leave these fake profiles in order to bolster their numbers and give the appearance of more user activity. However, the best companies often mitigate the issue by hiring moderation teams specifically to monitor and delete these profiles. Slow market growth rates and low ARPU. Right now, the anticipated annual market growth rate is hovering . Expert projections point to a , with a 5.4 percent rate by the end of 2022. around six percent user penetration of 6.4 percent by 2026 These numbers work out to give an estimated average revenue per user (ARPU) of just under $9. From an investment standpoint, these numbers are painfully low. Such low figures are the main reason why there are so few VC investments in the online dating industry. However, I think that one way, in particular, new founders could address this is by expanding the scope of the product. Creating something new that intersects dating and social discovery or dating and gaming would substantially increase these numbers. It would also address other problems of churn rates and lack of content. Online Dating Founders Must Think Outside the Box to Succeed The problems I've outlined are ones that many new founders don't consider until it's too late, which is another reason why they often struggle to obtain VC funding for their startups. The truth is that there is plenty of room for growth and expansion in the online dating market. However, founders must be agile, creative, and mindful of the challenges they will face in order to succeed in the long term.

5 Non-Obvious Business Problems in the Online Dating Market

Photo by on Miguel Bruna Unsplash The HackerNoon editorial team has launched this interview series with to celebrate their achievements and share their struggles. women in tech We need more women in technology, and by sharing stories, we can encourage many girls to follow their dreams. ! Share your story today Tell us about yourself! My name is Alexa, I am Ukrainian. I am the Co-Founder & CEO at Moeco.io and WTech Berlin curator. I am a global business executive and entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience in the digital transformation between industry and technology. I am the one who builds the bridge between deep tech and its application in the real world, looking for the best use cases in various industries. Why did you choose this field in the first place? I have always been excited about how technology is transforming the way we live and always wanted to be a part of it. Even though I don't have an engineering degree, I’ve spent a lot of time understanding it and finding ways to explain it to non-tech people and this is how I gained the skill of selling tech solutions for enterprises. I have always worked with tech founders (real nerds!) and helped them to find the best way to apply their knowledge and package their ideas for business applications. So far, I have helped several startups to find their products’ market fit and get their first clients, and co-founded Moeco.io to apply this experience to my startup this time. What tech are you most excited/passionate about right now and why? I am excited about the data and how it can be used daily to help people make better decisions by sourcing, analyzing, and turning the data into actionable insights. The sourcing part is the most exciting for me right now as the real-time data flow from our sensors enables our customers to understand the conditions of the goods in transit. This is all due to the most recent connectivity options that have only been available in the last few years. The cost of hardware and connectivity slowly reduces every year, which allows us to source the data in the most cost-efficient way for our customers. Our plan for the near future is to be able to fully automate all the processes in logistics with the help of real-time data flow and eliminate all the risks and manual operations in the supply chain. 5G expansion will make it even faster than we thought. What tech are you most worried about right now and why? I am most worried about my Ukrainian colleagues. There are plenty of great tech projects and bright minds in Ukraine such as 3DLOOK, Readdle, Petcube, Grammarly, Ajax, etc. Due to the war, we must adapt, relocate teams, and open hubs in other countries. Luckily, Ukrainians are cool beans, we are resilient and will come back stronger. That is why you will hear more and more Ukrainian names from all around the world in the upcoming year. What are your hobbies and interests outside of tech? I practice yoga and meditation and am a certified yoga teacher. Additionally, I ran the San Francisco half marathon and created a female-focused health and wellness community called SupergirlsSF. When I moved to Berlin, I became the ambassador of Wtech - a community of Ukrainian and global female entrepreneurs, so I devote a lot of my free time to events, mentorship, and helping Ukrainian founders and entrepreneurs to expand globally. Let's talk about breaking the glass ceiling. What were the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in tech, and how did you deal with them? This is the most common question I have been asked in the last 10 years and I think the answer to that question was being taken seriously in my career. I first started as an executive assistant at a media-tech startup, and I have always been treated as “the girl who sends emails and brings coffee” until I once expressed my opinion on the project we were doing. Then and there I was heard and treated seriously because I was always thinking more than I was required. I think that the expectations from women in tech are quite low in modern society, but more and more women are proving that we can do so much more than people would expect. I think standing up, expressing your point of view, and taking action to make a change in this world is what a lot of modern women dare to do just as you read these lines right now, so please expect more and more female-led companies in the near future. Any questionable misogynistic story/situation you faced/handled, and you want to share with the HackerNoon Fam? The recent experience I had in Saudi Arabia showed me that the world is changing the right side up. Even 5 years ago it would have been hard to imagine a female founder pitching her project to the Tech Accelerator in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in front of nearly 200 investors at the time of Ramadan. It was not easy to get a visa for a woman, even if she had a business partner/client there. Now Saudi’s government is opening the doors for female tech founders, welcoming and integrating them into their economy, making the 2030 vision of a “digital country” a reality. This is a very impressive change that happened very recently and that is a good example of how the governments of different countries should approach their improvement. What was the biggest setback/failure that you faced, and how did you manage it? The deepest and biggest insight of all time for me is that the wrong hiring process can ruin the business. Even hiring one person who has different values could dramatically shift the way a company develops and the direction in which it goes. I think aligning the vision and constantly checking in with the team is the only way to build the company right. If the values and vision are not aligned, the company will be falling apart slowly but surely. One cannot build a company on their own; everyone was always telling me that the people are the key, but I want to make a statement from my experience now: “Each individual is the key and the company has to have the right set of keys to open up the door into the unified dream.” What's your biggest achievement that you're really proud of? I think building the company is an achievement on its own, but having a diverse and distributed team is definitely a highlight. I am proud of the people I was able to bring to the team and I am proud to keep it up even during the time of war in my country, as it is not that easy these days. I think that the creation of a team diversity protocol together with the 5G Open Innovation Lab and the successful implementation of the diversity program in Moeco is the key to success. Creating diversity in teams makes the company more sustainable and stronger during shaky times. It makes the organization operate as a single organism with different functions and capabilities to get to a single goal faster, more efficiently, and have some fun along the way. Don't forget about that part! In your opinion, why do we see this huge gender gap in the tech industry, and how can we reduce it? I think it has a lot to do with the leadership aspect. It was always common for men to lead and most of the time women were just following. Some really good examples like Cisco, Goop, 23andme, Bumble, Eventbrite, Glossier, RentTheRunway, and CreditKarma have changed the perception of women’s leadership and created role models for females to follow. Now we can see more and more companies founded or co-founded by women and the better performance statistics these companies show investors and the whole world. I think it’s a great example of how the mindset can be shifted dramatically in such a short timeframe. Who is your tech idol? Why? Whitney Wolfe Herd started her successful career in dating apps when she was a . co-founder and vice president of marketing at Tinder When she filed a lawsuit against her boss for sexual harassment, she was forced to leave the company. After Tinder, Herd decided to compete against her former employer and create a new dating app. With financial help from Badoo founder Andrey Andreev, Herd created Bumble, which allows women to make the first move after matching. Today, Herd remains the CEO of Bumble, which is valued at . $1 billion and has 35 million users Do you have any advice for aspiring girls who want to join the field? Fears will always be there until you tap into them and decide to change them. We all have fears of not being good enough and in the tech world, females were always considered as “not technical enough”, “not smart enough”, and “not very good at taking the lead”, so it became even easier to just stick with the common ideas and not to take any steps towards changing it. Changing the world starts with changing yourself and getting rid of all the obstacles on this path are, primarily, our own fears and insecurities. Be brave and curious, always get to the core of things and be able to transform yourself on the go. “Build the place on the flight” is the best description of the field you are joining. If you are ready for that, take the step and don't wait for the invitation;  it is already there for you, waiting for you to accept the new reality, the new you.

Power Plays for Women in Tech: Fears Will Be There Until You Tap Into Them and Decide to Change Them

Juegos de poder para las mujeres en la tecnología: los miedos estarán ahí hasta que los aproveche y decida cambiarlos

Le pouvoir joue pour les femmes dans la technologie : les peurs seront là jusqu'à ce que vous les exploitiez et décidiez de les changer

टेक में महिलाओं के लिए पावर प्ले: डर तब तक रहेगा जब तक आप उन पर टैप नहीं करेंगे और उन्हें बदलने का फैसला नहीं करेंगे

技術業界の女性のパワープレイ: 恐れは、あなたがそれらを利用して変更することを決定するまでそこにあります

Jogadas de poder para mulheres na tecnologia: os medos estarão lá até você tocá-los e decidir mudá-los

Quyền lực dành cho phụ nữ trong ngành công nghệ: Nỗi sợ hãi sẽ có cho đến khi bạn chạm vào họ và quyết định thay đổi họ

科技界女性的权力游戏：恐惧会一直存在，直到你深入了解她们并决定改变她们

If you care just a slightly bit about the stock market ( ), you probably know that on 02/11, Tinder-rival Bumble made its debut on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol ‘BMBL’. It was initially priced at $43 per share, and by the end of the first trading day, the stock soared to $70.31 apiece (you do the math, that’s a 63.5% rise). and maybe, dating apps The stock closed at $71.75 per share on the trading day of 02/19, marking the market cap at $8.28B. Bumble's stock price (Resource: Google ) There was a lot of buzz around the company. We know that Bumble’s Founder and CEO, Whitney Wolfe Herd, was indeed the former co-founder of Tinder (the tea!) We know that they had a much-talked about in 2018. We also know that at 31, Herd is to lead an IPO. lawsuit the youngest female executive So, back to business. What is the deal with Bumble? But first, what is Bumble? For those who don’t know, Bumble is essentially a location-based dating app: you log in, browse profiles of people in your area, then swipe right if interested, or swipe left for Thank U, Next. If both individuals swipe right, it’s a match. There is a twist: after the right swipe, , and the match goes away if no message is sent after the first 24 hours. That gives the women their control of the conversation, and saves users from the exasperation of a 6-month match without a move. only the woman can send the first message While Bumble is free to use, you can pay an extra fee for advanced features. We have Boost, starting at $12.99 per week, where you can unlock options like Rematch, SuperSwipe, or Spotlight. Or, if you are feeling fancy, you can pay $17.99 per week for the Premium, where you get even more features like Travel (match with people from other cities) or Beeline (see all the singles who like you). real Bumble also offers BFF mode for platonic relationships, Bizz mode for professional networks, and Badoo - its sister app in Europe and Latin America. Bumble's IPO (Resource: @bumble ) Why Is It a Big Deal? Impressive Performance with Opportunities to Grow Now, let’s talk . numbers These figures below reflect the financial indicators of Bumble Holdings from its Bumble and Badoo apps. Figure 1: Bumble’s Financial Indicators 2018-2019 (Resource: SEC.gov ) Figure 2: Bumble’s Financial Indicators 9/2019 - 9/2020 (Resource: SEC.gov ) Pre-COVID, Bumble saw a lucrative revenue of $488.9M - a YOY growth of 35.8%. This is impressive compared to the YOY increase of 11.59% by Match Group ( ). In 2019, Bumble also enjoyed a net earnings YOY growth of 17.6% and net cash provided by operating activities of 41.2%. resource: MacroTrends In 2020, the company posted less-impressive revenue growth of 15% with a net loss of $84.1M. This was attributed to the impact of COVID-19 and the company’s increasing costs. However, this shouldn’t be a factor to predict Bumble’s financial performance in the next few years, considering the high volatility of the market. We will need to wait for its reports in the coming quarters to be able to observe the performance and use of money flow from the public offering to weigh the performance. Even with the slowdown in revenue and negative profitability, Bumble managed to grow its usage by 25% and steadily increase its market present in the U.S. dating app market, and almost doubled in market share in 2020 from 2017: Figure 3: U.S. Dating App Market Share by Revenue (Resource: SensorTower ) The real potential growth for Bumble lies in its international market, where it now occupies 2% of market share (the big guys are Badoo and Tinder, but Badoo has been declining for the past 5 years). OC&C projects that in North America alone, the online dating scene will grow 11% annually to a $3.4B market in 2025. The global market will see an annual growth of ~13% to 981M singles having access to the interweb and a $9.9B market in 2025 ( ). It is without question that Bumble will enjoy the benefits of scale in the years to come. resource: SEC.gov Strong Brand Presence In the Company’s introduction, Founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd writes: S-1 Our users connect deeply with our brand, making it a powerful marketing tool which generates word of mouth virality and strong, efficient user acquisition. This is evidenced by the fact that only 22% of new users across our apps came from attributable performance marketing in the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Take a second to look bumble up on Instagram, you will see several accounts such as , , or (which is mad hilarious), each with a hundred million followers; not to mention the hashtag #bumble with more than 400K related posts. With gen Z rising and living their life through social media, this Instagram influence is a real deal. @bumble @bumblebizz @overheardbumble (Resource: @overheardbumble ) The Bumble team makes extra efforts to connect with other organizations and give back to the community. For example, for Valentine’s Day Special, it for special virtual dating experiences. It also launched the Bumble Fund to . It also pushes market presence through programs like Bumble Honey, recruiting college students to be the ambassadors. teamed up with AirBnB invest in women founders With its continuous efforts to improve brand awareness, Bumble is now the second largest dating app in the U.S. with 5M users, and comes 4th on the global scale ( ). resource: Business of Apps The Powerful Whys: Bumble's Mission to Create a Safe Space It is undeniable that even though we are in 2021, discrimination against women in both their and romantic life still exists. Being the women-first dating app, Bumble works to address the situation. professional “The Bumble brand was built with women at the center—where women make the first move. We are rewriting the script on gender norms by building a platform that is designed to be safe and empowering for women, and, in turn, provides a better environment for everyone.” Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble SEC S-1 Bumble claims to create a safe and equitable environment for the users. For instance, in 2019, they introduced that blurs nude images automatically, leaving users’ the decision whether to see it or not. a new feature Challenges Ahead Industry Competition and User Base Flux The booming online dating market can be a double-edged sword to Bumble. The most prominent competitor is Match (Tinder’s parent), who is close to monopolizing the space, with a wide-ranged portfolio of 45 businesses in total. And the rival is not just Tinder. In Figure 3 above, we can see that Hinge expanded rapidly from less than 1% in the U.S. market (2017) to 6% in 2020. Not to mention other apps like , , , by which Match caters to users of all backgrounds. Match SingleParentMeet SeniorPeopleMeet A glance at Match Group’s portfolio (Resource: The Motley Fool ) Even Herd admits that the dating app market is not a winner-takes-all situation, “ ”. With dating apps now operating on a freemium basis, the cost of switching apps for users is minimal, which leads to potential user base fluctuations. with people using or having an average or two different apps installed on their phone at the same time There are a number of risks associated with the user base for any app, and Bumble is not an exception. Users can engage less in Bumble, which leads to a potential decline in in-app purchases. Users can also find preference in competitive apps, which offer more in terms of features and product innovation. Or, users can find their significant other on Bumble and no longer see the need to use the services. The question is, while Match can rely on other revenue streams if Tinder goes south, what alternatives does Bumble Holdings have if Bumble falls short? Can Badoo take place with a declining performance? Will the company have enough time and resources to roll out other services to keep up in the game? The Role of BFF and Bizz Launched in 2016 and 2017 respectively, BFF and Bizz shows Bumble’s ambition to tap into the “non-romance” aspects of forming a relationship, both platonic and professional. The question is, how much of an impact is there? Bumble BFF sounds like an exciting platform for young people (*cough* gen Z *cough*) to make new friends especially in a new city or in this pandemic we are living in. However, its similarity to Bumble Date is questionable. Would you really decide to be friends with an individual based on a minimum of 4 photos and an excerpt of their life (some won’t even fill it in)? not What would you do when all you want is to make new friends in your new place, but some think that you’re not cool enough for a conversation? It seems like Bumble hasn’t quite reached its goals to convert the traditional way to form a friendship, at least . from what I gather The professional platform, Bumble Bizz, can be an addition to the networking book; however, it is not the ultimate networking site. Do you want to swipe hours to find a potential business match who may or may not be interested in the same field as you are? If you want to network with other people based on professionals and locations, LinkedIn seems like a much more optimal solution. Don’t get me wrong here. If by any chance, you’re reading this story and happen to have a very good experience on either platform, I’m very happy for you. Yet, I believe these two leave a lot to be desired in order to stand out from the crowd. Furthermore, since there is no record of BFF and Bizz generating revenue for Bumble, their role is almost oblivious to potential investors. Conclusion At the end of the day, it depends on the investor to decide whether BMBL is their perfect match. Do you see Bumble as a portfolio maker in the future, providing its steady increase in market presence and high potential of dominating the market? Are you moved by its mission and core value? Or are you still reluctant, waiting to see the public balance sheets in 2021 before making an investment decision? As for me, I am excited about Bumble's earning calls, where I have a more thorough understanding of its financial health and efficiency, after raising $2.51B from the IPO. Disclosure: On the date of publication, the author of this story does not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned above. Disclaimer: This story is intended only for informational purposes, which does not, and will not serve as a recommendation or offer of buy or sell of the securities. This reflects the opinions of the author who is an associated person of Hacker Noon and does not reflect the opinions of Hacker Noon or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. Nothing in this story should be taken as a solicited advice to buy or sell the securities.

$BMBL: Swipe Left or Right? An Insight Into One of the Hottest Tickers in 2021

With the technological evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), many companies have explored ways to incorporate this new capability into their products and services to serve their customers better. Many industries, such as manufacturing, retail, transportation, and logistics, etc., have already successfully incorporated this technology into their business. The medical field has also seen AI aiding in discovering new drugs and improving diagnostic capabilities to help physicians and medical staff. Android app development services have been working on these apps for some time. The potential for using this technology in personal goods and services is limitless. Some of today's "smart" apps, such as personal assistants, show how AI could improve people's lives on many levels. Artificial intelligence is now taking over our personal lives by integrating personal relationship technologies. From finding a partner on a dating app to psychology and communication aids for better relationships, artificial intelligence can now occupy a central place as a technology allowing access to new possibilities. No longer just a human domain, relationships and love are now approached from a technological point of view. There are many possibilities for improving people's lives using AI-assisted applications. For example, you could date a custom avatar in the future with AI, the new matchmaker! Dating Industry and AI - Current Scenario In a constantly expanding industry, online dating is now big business. The multi-billion dollar industry is dominated by Match Group, which owns more than 40 dating companies, including the famous "Tinder" service. However, unlike traditional apps and programs, AI-assisted dating apps can predict, analyze and offer a more exciting product. The Match Group and its competitors have accumulated vast amounts of personal data, which technology like AI can now take full advantage of. Predictions like how people decide on a mate are just one way AI could use data. React Native app developers can easily leverage this data. With the expansion of the dating industry, examples of AI can already be used. For example, a female AI chatbot can guide users through finding love and romance by offering suggestions for analyzing personal data. After asking the user their preferences, the program separates the profiles that best match your personality. When a profile is selected, the app can then offer more details about the particular choice. Some of the AI ​​applications so far in the industry are based on a novelty approach. An exciting app using AI can be seen with the Loveflutters app feature, which suggests restaurant recommendations to give a date a little boost. Now, there are plenty of dating apps that provide users with suggestions for first date ideas, whether it's a club, restaurant, cafe, or bar. The Badoo service has fun technology that matches your partner's face with that of a similar celebrity. This feature uses the integration of AI technology and facial recognition to match the user with the celebrity. By uploading an image, the app can search a massive database for lookalikes. On a slightly more sophisticated level in terms of relationships, the well-known eHarmony website uses technology to analyze discussions to develop suggestions to users on how to approach their next "move." Another example of technology is helping users by ranking profiles and predicting user preferences. Simply put, the basic premise of AI in the dating world was explained by Tinder CEO Sean Rad - AI will act as a 'smart filter' and predict a person's interest. Therefore, custom mobile application development services should take this aspect very seriously. Today's dating services leverage AI to filter big data to create a larger pool of potential matches for users. The possibilities are also found in websites and dating apps, such as public social media posts, providing insight into personal preferences. This analysis could avoid potential biases based on more deliberate or artificial responses provided on dating questionnaires. Inaccurate or misleading answers are one of the main reasons people are unsuccessful with online dating. Data and Meetings AI can process vast volumes of data. As more and more data is generated on the internet through social media, AI-assisted applications will generate very accurate predictions. Complementary technology to virtual reality (VR) is evolving with AI. The potential of these two apps to work together in the dating world is only a matter of time. There is a growing demand for products like "virtual girlfriends." Ever-evolving technology aims to provide users with the ability to practice dating in a virtual environment to aid them in their attempts in the real world. What all of this will lead to in the future could be your very own personalized VR partner! The volume of data that AI-assisted technology can process could lead to creating the "perfect" partner. By integrating with other advanced technologies, the concept could take it further by allowing users to experience their personalized avatar physically. Disrupting human relationships would be the creation of an interactive robot or companion. Although this idea can be confronted at first glance, it harbors several possibilities to improve people's lives. For example, an AI-assisted virtual reality companion could be used by the elderly or widowers, the disabled, or anyone facing a challenge to find an intimate partner or companion. The Fate of Dating Apps With advancements in technology and AI and growing interest in online dating services, businesses in this space need to keep abreast of the latest developments to stay relevant and meet customer demand. One area that has yet to be touched on is where technology can resolve some of the negatives encountered when using dating apps. One of these negative experiences for some users is meeting users operating under false identities, also known as "catfishing." This behavior can drastically change the user's trust in the service. One solution that businesses are exploring is for users to confirm their identities through facial mapping technology. Problems remain, however, regarding the need to verify details against the implementation of requirements that infringe on privacy and discourage the adoption of the app. A new feature seen in some dating apps is a concierge service where the program helps users create an ideal online profile. Using a combination of AI, machine learning, and human intervention, the feature tries to maximize your profile and improve appeal. While the feature often comes at an additional cost, it does provide the ability to develop a profile for full matches. Future AI developments may explore other elements that could lead to more successful matchmaking on dating apps. The level of sophistication will increase as AI-based programs "learn" what works with improved data and feedback. Features such as psychological profiles may be developed in the future to delve into more than just personal preferences. Physical characteristics are another crucial area of ​​unique attraction that can be further explored with the help of technology. Another possible direction is the use of DNA and collaboration with existing ancestry services. DNA-based people matching still has a long way to go before it can be considered a viable concept for people matching; However, with AI, the scope of these possibilities is increasing in the dating app industry. A React Native app development company can take advantage of these opportunities. Money Matters There is enormous potential for dating apps to generate income through several innovative feeds that complement their service. One way is to leverage partnerships with appropriate third parties to increase growth and generate revenue for mutual benefit. As previously stated, the Loveflutter dating app uses data from chats to match people and recommend places to eat or meet. In addition, it can suggest suitable places for both users based on their location using another specially designed app to find nearby services such as bars and restaurants. It could be extended by redirecting the suggestions made by the app to third-party apps. For example, this can be direct to a restaurant or even to an aggregation app like Uber Eats. Different income options could then be explored between the dating app and the third-party provider. For example, one possibility could be that the third-party provider receives a lead from the dating app; various fees could apply, including a fee based on the average cost of acquiring a new customer if known. Or a commission or fee based on a percentage agreed upon when the user orders. The discount could also be incorporated into a model to influence user choice of a restaurant or location. Opportunities may also arise using similar revenue models based on leads from a wide range of applications or third parties. These can be directly related to the dating industry or completely separate but want to attract users. But, again, it is up to the application companies to decide whether the involvement of third parties would add value or compromise their core product. Growing Opportunities One challenge for dating apps is to continue to get user engagement once a date has been successful. Many dating app users indicate an interest in finding long-term relationships. If later dates arise, AI could suggest different options to users than previously tried. In this way, the app can analyze the newly introduced date suggestions or extend the idea to kitchen choices or even gifts. At this point, the application may be showing real creativity. The user might see the benefit of providing information to users on specific preferences. For example, a comment on a taste for jewelry or clothing could be associated with a color preference mentioned. This information was suggested to one of the users as a great gift idea. A third-party provider could then be suggested and an order seamlessly placed through the dating app. What AI-assisted apps offer is the ability to understand users through their chats on the app and to be able to learn and therefore suggest other ideas continuously. All of this can add to the app's value outside of the core function or matchmaking and ensure that the experience attracts a loyal following of users. As mentioned, these features can add value and produce leads for third parties in the dating industry and other opportunities outside of this space. Innovation and AI - Challenges As with any innovation, the implications must be considered, and the impact on the user must be at the forefront. Especially when considering human relationships and emotions, which can be unpredictable and spontaneous, any suggestion given by the AI ​​function should be taken into account as to whether it will add value and support the primary function of the application or if it can disable a user or confuse their decisions and interactions. The conversation and rapport built on a dating app chat is an integral part of the success of the overall experience. Too many suggestions could interrupt the report; however, suitable program interventions could reveal users' new understanding. Ideally, the concept of innovation and income should help the user in their quest and not distract their minds by too many options that seem intrusive. A Blockchain application development company should incorporate the above points. AI-enabled Developers and Dating Apps AI is already being used in innovative ways in the dating industry. Many early adopters have managed to find the balance between technology and improved user experience. Fun features can keep people coming back as well. Developers can still focus on using technology to iron out problems, solve user problems, and generate insight from data. In addition, it is possible to take advantage of the growing volume of data generated through apps and online. Conclusion The world of AI and dating apps continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Matchmaking innovations go beyond traditional old-fashioned ways and evolve towards a better personal understanding of people and relationships. AI-assisted solutions in the dating world leverage large volumes of new and old data to analyze user behavior like never before. Working hard behind the scenes, algorithms increase the chances of finding their life partner, or just a great friend, even a casual one, if that is their criteria. If the ideas in this article are interesting, a developer's experience in AI applications could help harness the basic capabilities of artificial intelligence in dating applications. In addition, it can make sure you keep in touch with the future of high-tech human relations.

The Next Revolution in the Dating Industry: Will AI Help Me Find a Boyfriend?

Following the introduction of Tinder in 2012, we’ve been living in the “on to the next one” paradigm, ending relationships at the first sign of misunderstanding. And the impact of the swipe culture stretches far beyond that. Instead of actually meeting people offline, talking to each other, and discussing issues face to face, we lean in the comfort of emojis, likes, and instant messaging. Is there a way to persuade the 270 million people who to adopt a more meaningful approach to dating? Surprisingly, technology emerges as a double-edged sword here. We’ll examine the benefits of combining artificial intelligence technology with dating apps. use apps like Badoo and Tinder AI dating apps: a match made in heaven Algorithms help users find more compatible partners The early dating websites and apps, such as Match.com, eHarmony, and Grindr, only allowed users to search for potential partners by age, gender, location, sexual orientation, and shared interests. As a result, single-and-looking people had to scroll through thousands of profiles corresponding to these criteria. Today, machine learning models can do the job for you. Dating apps that use AI may identify common facial features in profile pictures of users you’ve swapped left or right and figure out your dating type. Image source: Mashable Besides physical appearance, AI may detect objects in images and show you more profiles of users who, say, play the guitar or frolic on the beach in their pics. For example, Tinder harnesses Amazon Rekognition to detect personality markers and improve the matching algorithm for premium users. The bad thing is, ML models to make accurate predictions, so you’ll have to spend a lot of time in the app to get more likes and matches. need training data For lazy daters, there’s an option to search for potential partners who resemble celebrities. The feature is currently supported by Dating.AI and Badoo, the dating app veteran with 60 million active users globally. Besides matching you with a person who looks like Bill Skarsgård or Gigi Hadid, the celebrity doppelganger feature helps you find and ignore imposters. Some dating AI applications go even further and attempt to predict the chemistry between two people based on their DNA profiles! We’re talking about DNA Romance, an app that uses artificial intelligence to match couples by linking their DNA samples to sixteen personality types according to the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator. Algorithms encourage users to get to know each other Remember the Black Mirror’s Hang the DJ episode where individuals were matched into a relationship by a digital coach? The artificial intelligence dating program, which lived on a Nest-like device, set expiration dates for relationships (some encounters would only last a couple of minutes!) and analyzed breakups to find a better fit. Image source: Corleones & Lannisters Corleones & Lannisters Lasting, healthy relationships are defined by the amount of time we spend with a person. It is technically impossible to establish an emotional connection with someone if we put quantity over quality. Artificial Intelligence Matchmaker (AIMM) is a real-world dating app that aims to solve this problem. Similar to the Black Mirror Coach system, the virtual assistant communicates with a person for at least one week before introducing them to other people. The AI-based application makes sure to suggest candidates one at a time, thus allowing users to learn a few things about each other and make a well-informed decision about whether they should stick together or move on to the next partner. The application also guides users through the matching process by arranging phone calls and offering dating advice. Algorithms improve the courting experience A less common way to use AI technology for dating apps revolves around improving the overall dating experience in a variety of ways: In a world where 72% of dating app users block other people’s profiles for misbehavior and offensive content, more applications turn to artificial intelligence to curb harassment. An example of this is Tinder’s reporting system that detects the use of improper language and asks users how they feel about it. An algorithm developed by a team of researchers from the University of Warwick flags bot accounts with 99% accuracy based on their IP addresses, messages, and stolen images. And a popular live streaming dating app to spot inappropriate content and block users who spread it. Filtering fake accounts and inappropriate content. uses machine learning Sean Rad, Tinder CEO, defines artificial intelligence as a smart filter that knows what people are interested in — and delivers content that best matches their interests. Besides finding users with similar hobbies and life goals, Lara, Match.com’s chatbot that works in sync with Google Assistant, suggests ideal date locations in your area. Another example comes from eHarmony, whose AI studies user behavior to figure out the best time to email each other. Coming up with personalized recommendations. You may spend weeks choosing perfect photos for your Tinder profile and still get 14% fewer responses just because you’ve made two spelling mistakes in the About Me section! In fact, proper grammar than good teeth and self-confidence! To fix typos and grammatical errors in your profile and messages, you can use AI-powered tools like Grammarly’s Mobile Keyboard, which also conducts sentiment analysis to make sure you sound friendly and respectful. Correcting grammar and spelling mistakes. ranks higher on your date’s wishlist Why AI apps might be the future of dating By 2040, 70% of all couples would be initially meeting online — compared to just 24% in 2017. And there are several reasons for that: - Even it were not for the pandemic, our lives have become more digital, and the amount of data we consume daily continues to grow - Younger people prefer to focus on their education and careers, meaning they have less time for in-person interactions with peers - Our well-being has skyrocketed in the past 20 years — and wealthy, educated individuals tend to socialize less Artificial intelligence might be a silver bullet solution to the information overload problem. Just like marketers and editors turn to AI to source quality content for their clients from all over the web, dating apps utilize machine learning to help users establish finely tuned connections — even if it means compromising on their quantity. And if your company is looking to conquer the $3.33 billion dating app market, the best time to is now. develop your AI application

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