63 per cent Indians use AI as a dating coach, finds Gleeden study

MUMBAI: Cupid may still carry a bow and arrow, but increasingly, he’s getting a helping hand from an algorithm. Artificial intelligence is no longer just writing emails, generating images or answering questions. For a growing number of Indians, it is also helping craft dating profiles, decode text messages and even navigate relationship dilemmas.

A new study by Gleeden, conducted in partnership with Ipsos among 1,500 Indians, reveals just how deeply AI has embedded itself into modern romantic life. The findings paint a picture of a generation increasingly turning to algorithms for matters of the heart, while simultaneously becoming more concerned about authenticity and privacy online.

According to the study, 63 per cent of respondents have used conversational AI tools as a romantic coach. Around 66 per cent have relied on AI to improve descriptions on dating profiles or social media accounts, while 61 per cent have used it to optimise conversations with potential partners. Another 63 per cent said they had turned to AI to analyse exchanges and better understand the intentions behind messages, while an equal proportion sought AI-generated suggestions for first dates and activities.

In effect, AI has evolved from a productivity assistant into a digital wingman, helping users navigate everything from opening lines to relationship strategy.

Its role, however, extends far beyond first impressions. The study found that 64 per cent of respondents have used AI to help resolve relationship challenges, while 60 per cent sought guidance on intimacy, sexual wellness or other personal matters. What was once the domain of close friends, family members or counsellors is increasingly being supplemented by technology.

Yet the growing reliance on AI is creating an unexpected side effect. As more people use technology to polish their profiles, refine their messages and perfect their online personas, distinguishing genuine human expression from AI-assisted communication is becoming increasingly difficult.

The phenomenon, often described as “AI slop”, reflects a digital landscape flooded with algorithm-generated content, from captions and images to videos and conversations. When everyone has access to the same tools to appear sharper, wittier or more charming, authenticity starts to stand out as a rare commodity.

Ironically, that may be exactly what people are now craving. Despite 92 per cent of respondents describing themselves as satisfied with their romantic lives, 57 per cent admitted to feeling lonely either often or occasionally. The finding suggests that while AI can help improve communication, it cannot replicate the spontaneity, emotional depth and chemistry that define meaningful human connections.

The study also highlights growing concerns around privacy as AI becomes more integrated into daily life. Nearly 69 per cent of Indians said they would feel uncomfortable if someone accessed their AI conversation history, underscoring how personal these interactions have become.

The findings arrive at a time when concerns around biometric data, facial recognition, deepfakes and digital identity misuse are gaining prominence. As AI becomes more capable of shaping online interactions, users are becoming increasingly selective about what information they share and who has access to it.

The research suggests that the future of digital relationships may not simply be about smarter technology, but about balancing innovation with trust, privacy and authenticity. In a world where algorithms can help write the perfect message, the most valuable signal may simply be knowing there is a real person behind it.