Hinge is betting that artificial intelligence can help solve one of online dating’s most persistent problems: conversations that never really begin. As swipe culture matures and expectations rise, many users report frustration with matches who like profiles without sending messages, leaving interactions stalled before they start. When conversations do happen, they often open with repetitive small talk that fails to spark genuine interest, placing the burden of creativity on one person and draining momentum almost instantly.
In response, Hinge has introduced a new AI-powered feature called “Convo Starters,” designed to help users move past awkward silences and generic openers. The tool offers personalized suggestions meant to guide users toward more engaging first messages that feel relevant rather than forced. Instead of defaulting to “Hey” or “How are you,” daters are encouraged to open with observations tied directly to a match’s profile.
Convo Starters appears immediately after a user likes someone’s profile, displaying three tailored prompts beneath individual photos or written answers. The system analyzes visual cues and profile content to generate ideas grounded in shared interests or visible details. A photo of someone playing chess might prompt a message about favorite board games or competitive hobbies, while a travel photo could inspire a question about destinations or memorable experiences. The goal is to remove the pressure of inventing an opening line while keeping conversations personal and human.
According to Hinge, the feature was developed in direct response to user behavior and internal research. Data from the platform shows that 72 percent of users are more likely to consider a match when a like is accompanied by a message rather than a silent interaction. Even more telling, profiles that receive comments alongside likes are reportedly twice as likely to result in an actual date. These insights suggest that conversation quality, not just profile photos, plays a decisive role in whether matches lead to real-world connections.
The launch of Convo Starters builds on Hinge’s broader push into AI-assisted dating tools. The company previously introduced an AI-driven Prompt Feedback feature that evaluates profile answers and suggests improvements, encouraging users to add specificity, personality, and detail. Together, these tools aim to improve both sides of the dating equation: how people present themselves and how they initiate connections with others.
Still, the growing role of AI in dating is not without controversy. While some users welcome assistance that reduces friction and social anxiety, others remain skeptical. Younger users in particular appear wary of relying on algorithms to shape personal interactions. A Bloomberg Intelligence survey found that Gen Z respondents expressed more discomfort than older generations with using AI to write profile prompts or generate message responses, raising questions about authenticity and emotional honesty in AI-assisted dating.
Hinge’s parent company, Match Group, remains committed to expanding AI across its platforms despite the mixed sentiment. The company has disclosed plans to invest between $20 million and $30 million in artificial intelligence initiatives, signaling confidence that smart tools can enhance user experience without replacing genuine connection. Executives have positioned AI not as a substitute for personality, but as a nudge that helps users express interest more thoughtfully.
As dating apps evolve, the challenge lies in balancing efficiency with authenticity. Hinge’s Convo Starters reflects a shift toward technology that supports conversation rather than automates it entirely. By encouraging users to reference real details and shared interests, the feature attempts to preserve the human element while reducing the friction that often keeps matches from ever saying hello. In an environment where attention is fleeting and competition is constant, even a small nudge toward better conversation could determine whether a match fades into silence or turns into something real.
