Bumble Launches AI-Based Feature Deception Detector
Contributed by: kellyseal on Monday, February 19 2024 @ 09:23 am
Last modified on Monday, February 19 2024 @ 09:29 am
Dating app Bumble launched Deception Detector, an AI-based feature that aims to cut down on bots and fake profiles.
According to ZD Net, the new feature leverages the machine learning-based technology to help identify fake, scam or spam profiles on the app before the user comes into contact with them. The feature can assess the authenticity of a profile and, according to Bumble’s test, supported automatically blocking 95 percent of accounts identified as spam or scam by the company.
Bumble was quick to add that the AI-based feature will be used in conjunction with “dedicated human support” for added safety for its members.
Bumble also said in its release that within the first two months of the technology’s introduction, the platform saw member reports of spam, scam, and fake accounts reduced by 45%.
The company surveyed members and found that globally, respondents named fake profiles and scams as their number one concern when using a dating app. Around 46 percent of women respondents expressed anxiety over whether their matches were authentic.
And as ZD Net[*1] points out, fake dating profiles and scams are a challenge for dating apps. Between 2017 and 2021, the FTC reported people lost a collective $1.3 billion to romance scams, with many beginning via a dating app.
Many dating apps are rushing to add AI-based features to their platforms, including Grindr which launched an AI “wingman” to help users with profile building and messages. Users have been turning to AI platforms like ChatGPT to help with writing profiles and messaging other users. Bumble’s move aims to make its platform a bit safer by removing the fake profiles, which is arguably a better way to make the dating app experience better overall.
Tinder recently released updated community guidelines, with a special focus on authenticity, respectfulness, and inclusiveness. It guides users to different features like “Does this Bother You” and “Are you Sure” which helps users better monitor their messaging. Notably, it’s encouraging members to behave better on dating apps, but it doesn’t really address the problem of fake profiles.
"In recent years, the online landscape has evolved significantly and we see a growing concern about authenticity," said Lidiane Jones, Bumble CEO in the company's release[*2] . "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."
For more about this dating app, check out our review of Bumble.