Let's be realistic. What's the first thing you look at when it comes to judging dating profiles? Is it the values and goals listed? Is it whether the person is “fluent in sarcasm," "loves adventure," or emotionally intelligent? Umm, chances are it's actually the photos because, admit it, if you are human, you can be quite superficial—at least in the beginning screening stages. But these days, you've got to wonder how realistic photos on a dating profile even are.
AI May Be Making Dating Profile Photos Even Less Realistic
That's because you may be seeing more photos that have been altered by AI. This can range from AI touch-ups to massive transformations. Yep, surprise, surprise, manipulation can be part of the dating game. It can leave you wondering even more what's real versus not real on a dating app.
I say "even more" because it's not as if things have been totally real all this time. With filters and photoshopping, what you see has long been not necessarily what you'll get. Using AI, though, can significantly step up daters' A-games—meaning, in this case, their alteration games. It can be like hiring a team to help. And that team can transform and even completely generate photos in a matter of seconds, even for those whose own artistic skills consist of not much more than being able to draw a slightly asymmetrical smiley face.
Decide How Much AI You Are Willing to Tolerate
Now, there is the argument that not all AI-alterations of dating profile photos are necessarily bad—as long as there's no intent to deceive. Some may argue that an AI-alteration is like wearing some make-up, changing the lighting, or choosing a different outfit. It helps bring out a person's true self more. Of course, that wouldn't apply if you've used AI to alter your photo to the point that one of your exes looking at the photo were to say, "Who is this? I'd really like to get to know this person."
Others may argue, though, that any use of AI to alter dating photos is not a good look. That it reflects at least some intent to deceive. The argument is that people should be willing to just be their authentic selves.
So what's the right answer? Well, you've got to determine for yourself what you may be fine with versus not fine with, and where you are going to draw the AI line. Remember, dating is about finding the right mutual fit for you.
Look for Evidence of AI Manipulation
Regardless of where you fall on the OK-versus-not-OK-with-AI spectrum, it will be helpful in general to develop more of an eye for AI—meaning skills at detecting AI-generated images. Know the giveaways, like any distortions or mistakes, such as a person having too many fingers, especially on the periphery of the image where the AI tool and the user may not be checking carefully.
Also, AI-generated images may still have somewhat of an unreal feel to them—like faces looking too polished or even waxy. So, if you feel that something is amiss—or a-mister—you may be right.
This will likely get tougher and tougher, though, as AI technology gets better and better. And users get better and better at working with AI. Plus, guess what else may be helping the AI? Yes, good old-fashioned humans—paid consultants who work with AI and clients to develop dating profile photos for them, meaning dating profiles for the clients and not the AI. So, this is becoming quite an arms race—and a legs, nose, eyes, mouth, butt, and chest race.
See What Dating Apps Are Doing About AI-Generated Photos
As this race escalates, naturally, dating apps may be more apt to do something about it. Otherwise, the risk is that the apps get inundated with AI-generated content, making the apps less attractive to use by humans. Therefore, you may want to check out the AI policies of whatever dating apps you may be considering.
More specifically, see if the apps allow AI-generated dating profile photos. And if not, how exactly do the apps detect such photos? Do they rely on users to report suspicious images, or do they use AI to detect and fight AI? And how good is the AI at detecting AI? And what's done about any suspect photos?
Regardless, don't rely on dating apps solely to keep you safe from being faked. That could be kind of like relying on a grocery store to present only healthy food to you. Dating apps, after all, are businesses, so caveat emptor. It's really up to you—the consumer—to protect yourself.
Be Skeptical of All Dating Profile Photos
One thing that you can do to protect yourself is to maintain a healthy skepticism for all photos on dating apps. Don't assume that someone looks a certain way until you actually see them IRL—meaning "in real life." Treat dating profile pics—and dating profiles in general—as you would those male enhancement advertisements. Beware of any big claims, and only believe things after you've witnessed them in person.
Try to De-emphasize the Dating Profile Photo
Another thing that you can do is de-prioritize looks when searching for possible matches. Yeah, I know, that is easier said than done. For all the talk people have about looking for what's inside a potential partner, it's often the outside—meaning the face and body—that wins at the beginning. You don't see too many people saying, "I can't stop looking at her personality description" or "Oh, look at how big his values are, I really want to talk to him."
Nonetheless, consciously force yourself to use other screening criteria. Decide what is truly important to you in the long run, and then find some way to search for that on the app. Also, try not to rule people in and out based solely on their photos.
Consider Other IRL Dating Avenues
The rise of AI could further fuel the backlash against dating apps and the trend towards wanting more authentic and IRL ways to meet people. I referred to this trend when I covered the whole "meet cute" trend for "A Funny Bone to Pick." Until folks have developed AI that can alter someone's appearance in person, seeing a person live and in the flesh, so to speak, is the best way to figure out what's real and what's not.