How AI Is Powering Modern Love: The Rise of Digital Romance Across U.S. Cities
Across the United States, artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for productivity or entertainment—it’s now shaping the way singles seek love and companionship. A new nationwide survey from Match Group, shared exclusively with Axios, reveals that AI is rapidly becoming a fixture in the modern dating landscape, with cities like Salt Lake City, Denver, and Washington, D.C. leading the charge.
AI Companionship on the Rise
The latest “Singles in America” study, which surveyed over 5,000 people ages 18 to 98, found that 33% of singles in Salt Lake City have interacted with an AI companion. This could mean anything from chatting with a bot for emotional intimacy to using AI to craft dating profiles or messages. Salt Lake City tied with Denver for the highest percentage of respondents engaging with AI in their dating lives.
Washington, D.C. wasn’t far behind, with 28% of singles reporting AI use for romantic purposes. Other major cities like Atlanta (26%), Los Angeles (23%), and New York (23%) also saw significant numbers, while Virginia reported that nearly 1 in 4 singles have used AI as a romantic partner.
From Writing Help to Emotional Connection
AI’s role in dating is multifaceted. For some, it’s a practical tool—helping users write better bios or messages on dating apps. For others, it’s a source of emotional support and even romantic connection. Major AI companion apps like Replika, Blush, and Nomi have seen a surge in popularity, with users forming deep, committed relationships with chatbots.
“People were having really profound, committed relationships,” said Rita Popova, chief product officer of Replika and Blush. Reddit forums dedicated to Replika, for example, have over 80,000 members, many of whom share stories of falling in love with their AI partners.
Why AI Is Appealing
Experts say the appeal of AI companionship lies in its accessibility and reliability. Unlike human partners, AI bots are always available, can respond empathetically, and can be tailored to meet users’ emotional needs. For those who struggle to connect with others in real life, AI offers a safe, judgment-free space to explore intimacy.
“You log online and there’s this GPT that’s always online, 24/7, can always answer you in an empathetic way,” said Axios D.C. reporter Mimi Montgomery. “You can sort of tailor the way that you want them to respond to you, which I think folks, anyone who has a partner knows, that’s not the case with your partner 24/7.”
A National Trend
The surge in AI use for dating is part of a broader trend. Last year, only 6% of singles reported using AI in any capacity for romance. This year, that number has skyrocketed to 18% nationwide, with some cities seeing even higher adoption rates. The growth is attributed to the increasing sophistication of AI technology and the growing comfort people have with digital interactions.
“This is the first year that the dating platform surveyed singles nationwide about using AI for companionship,” said Michael Kaye, communications director at Match Group. “That’s because of a surge in AI use in dating—333% from last year.”
Challenges and Questions Ahead
As AI becomes more integrated into dating, experts are raising questions about the long-term implications. Can humans live up to the expectations set by AI? What happens when people form deep emotional bonds with bots? And how will these relationships affect traditional dating dynamics?
“Dating has pitted first impressions against brutal reality since the beginning of time,” the Axios report notes. “What we’re watching: Whether humans can live up to the expectations set by the bots that helped them get a foot in the door.”
The Future of Love
As AI continues to evolve, its role in romance is likely to expand. From helping singles navigate the complexities of online dating to providing emotional support, AI is redefining what it means to connect with others. Whether it’s a tool, a companion, or something in between, one thing is clear: AI is now a powerful force in the quest for love.
As the technology advances, the conversation around AI and romance will only grow more complex. For now, cities like Salt Lake City, Denver, and D.C. are at the forefront of this digital revolution, showing just how much AI is shaping the future of modern love.