Japanese Companies are Helping Employees Find Love with AI Dating App

Several of Japan’s largest companies have turned to an AI dating app to help their employees find love during the pandemic.

According to Kyodo News, about 800 companies have signed up to offer the app Aill goen to employees, with the aim that they will be happier and more productive workers if they are in a good relationship. Companies are also hoping the dating app will provide a way to help employees who might be struggling with their mental health, since they have been unable to physically interact with others because of lockdowns.

The pool of matches will be limited only to participating company employees, providing a level of safety and accountability for users of the app. Aill goen is being offered to employees as part of their benefits package at work, according to Kyodo News. 

The Kyushu Economic Federation was among the first to sign up for the service for its employees and member companies. Associate general manager Izumi Tokisato noted: "When people get into their 30s and 40s, they become reluctant to use dating apps, but if the app is introduced through a recognized organization then it makes it easier for them to take the first step.”

Some well-known companies have joined so far, including Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., Mizuho Securities Co., All Nippon Airways Co. and The Mainichi Newspapers Co.

The app’s developers are stressing the benefits of AI technology to effectively match users as well as assisting with interactions, such as nudging singles when they should send a text or invite someone on a date. The AI in Aill goen studies text chats to determine user behavior and uses that to offer conversation prompts or suggestions on what to do next. 

Most dating apps use AI to some degree, typically to study preferences and match accordingly, but this app works more like a matchmaker, helping users to build relationships even after they match. While this might bring up privacy concerns, Aill goen’s developers say that it only assists when a conversation has hit a standstill and needs a little nudge.

It seems to be working so far. Seventy-six percent of active users have arranged dates so far, according to a recent survey by the app’s developers in December. 

"My goal was to create a platform that would make it easier for employees to achieve a work-life balance and in turn boost the company's growth as well," said China Toyoshima, CEO of Aill Inc., the Tokyo-based startup that launched the dating app service.