Bumble, the popular online dating and networking app, has announced a new AI tool, Deception Detector, which will help identify and block malicious content before Bumble users even notice. For example, the Deception Detector can weed out spam, scams, and fake profiles before users can see the account.
During its testing phase, Bumble noted that Deception Detector could automatically identify spam or scam accounts and block 95% of such malicious profiles. In addition, within the first two months of testing the tool, Bumble saw user reports of spam, scams and fake accounts reduce by 45%
It is Bumble’s latest AI feature to make its app safer after implementing their Private Detector in 2019 and an AI-powered conversation starter in December last year as their recent survey noted that 46% of women surveyed said their main issue while dating online was not knowing if the person they’re in contact with is who they say they are.
The Downside of AI in Online Dating
Like several other facets of life, Artificial Intelligence is gradually changing the world of online dating for better and worse. Since the first online dating sites became popular in the mid-90s and with the implementation of AI in the 21st century, the issue of scams in the realm of dating apps has worsened in recent years.
For example, according to the US FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network 2022 report, nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam and reported losses hit a staggering $1.3 billion. Furthermore, while most scams often originate on social media, about 20% can be traced back to dating sites and apps.
In an interview with CTV News, technology expert Sinead Bovell stated that while AI bots are helping users filter and sort through algorithms on dating apps to find a potential match, it also comes with massive risk factors.
She explained: “We already see this with social media. We tend to put our best foot forward. The world of catfishing just got a massive upgrade with generative AI, as it can create generative videos, edit people’s photos and generate entire conversations with AI, making it difficult to know whether you’re engaging with a real person. It is a massive problem in AI in general. Some dating app companies need to do a better job at filtering out spam and authentication.”
How Is Bumble Responding to the Potential Misuse of Its App?
Recognising these threats, the previous Bumble CEO, Wolfe Herd, stated in December last year that while Bumble has launched for almost a decade, they have not achieved its core mission. “I wanted to give women control over their relationships, create a safer experience for them on the internet, and change the paradigm of how women felt they could show up in the world and their relationships. And that’s precisely what we’re still doing today.”
Since its launch to an outcry in 2014, where many people considered women making the first approach in a romantic setting a taboo, Bumble has come a long way in shifting the perspective and implementing AI tools to combat the misuse of the technology. However, Herd still considers that AI is still in its infancy despite launching a Private Detector and an AI-powered conversation starter using the technology.
“Our matching, it’s come a long way, but I am so excited about the future of this business because I think it can improve tenfold. AI is a blessing from above when it comes to matching algorithms. There are so many low-hanging fruits here from today alone. Clip technology, using image detection. How can we extrapolate personality from what we’re seeing in a photo and explain to you explicitly why this person would be good or bad for you? If we can use and understand AI, it will make the whole process a lot more enjoyable.”
Bumble Launches the Deception Detector as Their Latest Answer
As evidence of their commitment towards their company’s goal, Bumble has launched the Deception Detector to combat malicious content in its app. Current CEO Lidiane Jones stated in a press release that: ” Bumble Inc. was founded with the aim to build equitable relationships and empower women to make the first move, and Deception Detector is our latest innovation as part of our ongoing commitment to our community to help ensure that connections made on our apps are genuine.”
She continued: “In recent years, the online landscape has evolved significantly, and we see a growing concern about authenticity. With a dedicated focus on women’s experience online, we recognise that in the AI era, trust is more paramount than ever. We are being thoughtful about how to use new models best, such as the new Deception Detector, to reduce the anxiety of making connections and support our community, with AI standing as a core area of focus.”
Will the Deception Detector Serve as a Blueprint for Other Dating Apps?
Although it is too early to say so, the Deception Detector is a good step towards the right direction as it raises the bar for online dating security. For example, Bumble’s introduction of Deception Detector shows its commitment to user safety and online dating ethics. By setting a higher standard for security measures, Bumble can protect its current user base while attracting new users who prioritise safety in their online dating experiences.
Moreover, as online dating continues to evolve, users will demand more transparency and accountability around safety from their utilised platforms. With its member-first approach with the Deception Detector, Bumble aims to set the standard for how AI technology and human oversight can work hand-in-hand to engender trust and give users greater peace of mind.
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