Is the age of dating apps coming to an end? On this episode of Superintelligent, Emily Forlini and Mike Elgan explore why platforms like Bumble and Tinder are struggling financially even as half of young adults swipe their way to love. They dive deep into how the monetization of relationships might be killing the very connections these apps promised to create.

As AI enters the dating scene—from profile ghostwriters to virtual girlfriends—Emily and Mike ask uncomfortable questions about authenticity in the digital age. They take aim at Silicon Valley's latest attempts to "solve" human connection, including a critical look at Elon Musk's venture into AI companions.

Yet amid the digital dystopia, they find hope in the resurgence of old-school human connection. From neighborhood potlucks to spontaneous conversations with strangers, they explore how we might rediscover the community-building wisdom of previous generations—no apps required.

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Links:https://elgan.com/about

https://emilyforlini.com

https://superintelligent.com

Chapters

00:00 The Rise of Dating Apps

01:17 Financial Struggles of Dating Apps

04:18 The Impact of AI on Relationships

07:07 The Role of Social Skills in Modern Dating

09:41 Elon Musk and Virtual Relationships

12:42 The Dangers of AI in Personal Relationships

15:40 Navigating Human Connection in a Digital Age

23:51 Navigating Adult Friendships

28:25 The Role of Technology in Making Friends

33:34 Reviving Community Connections

38:18 The Ethics of AI and Affiliate Marketing

#Dating apps #online dating #modern relationships #artificial intelligence #virtual relationships #technology and society #social connection #authenticity #AI in matchmaking #decline of dating apps #monetization of digital platforms #virtual companions #chatbots #human connection #digital engagement #social isolation #loneliness #AI-assisted communication #ethics in tech #media #digital identity #tech industry trends #Bumble #Hinge #Tinder #Airbnb #Uber #OpenAI #Perplexity #Google Plus #Amazon choice badges #Substack #ChatGPT #Groundhog Day #anime culture #social clubs #community organizations #AI-generated dating profiles #data privacy #disclosure of affiliate revenue #editorial independence #tech founders #friend-finding apps #Bumble BFF #human “joiner” culture #digital tribes #real-world friendships #authenticity in content #community-driven media #listener engagement #podcast production #editorial transparency #algorithmic influence #influencer culture #journalism ethics

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