Match Group goes regular with AI, appoints Zynga alum to guide AI-focused staff

Match Group, the corporate behind courting apps like Tinder and OkCupid, is getting critical about its relationship with AI.

After toying with some AI-powered options on Tinder, Match Group is taking issues to the subsequent stage by appointing former Zynga head of progress Mark Kantor as Vice President of Innovation. Kantor, who additionally cofounded startups like Yellowbrick and Graffiti, will lead a small staff of engineers and designers centered on bringing new applied sciences to Match Group’s apps.

“Harnessing our rising generative AI options will likely be one key focus space, as we discover methods to make it simpler for customers to have interaction in courting apps, present instruments to assist customers showcase their individuality, and additional improve the protection and accessibility of our apps,” wrote CTO Will Wu in an inner memo, which was supplied to TechCrunch. Match Group is asking Kantor’s staff ASL, which stands for “Artwork x Science Lab,” and can also be a nod to the retro web pickup line, “ASL?”

Match has already begun engaged on some AI instruments. Not too long ago, Tinder introduced it might check an AI photograph choice characteristic, which appears to be like at customers’ photograph albums to choose the images that will carry out greatest on the app. At a Reuters occasion final month, Tinder CPO Mark Van Ryswyk hinted at the concept customers may write their courting bios with generative AI… which can sound type of icky, however then once more, individuals are writing wedding ceremony vows on ChatGPT, so it appears some individuals are into that.

The thought of AI-powered courting may really feel regarding for customers who need their on-line courting experiences to really feel as genuine as potential. However Match Group is making an attempt to ensure that its improvements don’t come throughout as too disingenuous.

“It’s crucial that our options and instruments improve belief, authenticity and respect and, finally, result in higher matches and dates in actual life,” CEO Bernard Kim stated on Match Group’s final earnings name. “By the top of the yr, we count on to have launched quite a lot of initiatives that can use generative AI to eradicate awkwardness, make courting extra rewarding and shock and delight customers, all in a manner that focuses on authenticity and sustaining the very best moral and privateness requirements.”