I don’t know about you, but I know I have gone through some rough breakups. I was 14, and, I will admit, this was before the days of Instagram and Tinder. I had the biggest crush on one of the boys in my class. He played rugby, he was cute, he was rich, and he smelt amazing (he could afford cologne while I used sprays!) but it wasn’t what he had that I loved, it was how humble and sweet he was about it.

So, as you can imagine, I was absolutely thrilled that he liked me too and we started dating. Everyone envied me and for a few months, I was happy. Then, out of nowhere, a new girl, Charmaine, came to the school, and he wanted to date her! I was gutted. Just the appearance of someone new made him dump me!

Now, I survived, and I am glad to tell you, that I have long moved on, but it got me thinking about how different dating is in the age of Artificial Intelligence. How do you compete with the Charmaine’s being a finger swipe away?

What is AI? Simply put, it is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. Why should you as a South African youth care about AI? Well, because it’s embedded in almost everything you do and use! When you are recommended a new show to watch on Netflix, it’s AI, when your phone identifies faces in photos, that is AI, when you use Google Maps, it is AI offering real-time traffic updates. YES, it is AI that personalises your feed on Instagram, Facebook, and Tinder, showing you content that it has calculated aligns with your interests and behaviour. So, when you swipe right on that cute girl or boy, did YOU really choose her, or did a computer think it could choose her for you?

If this thing wants to choose who I date, does it know about dating? I decided to have some fun with ChatGPT, a new and popular artificial intelligence chatbot that uses natural language processing to create humanlike conversational dialogue. I inputted questions, also known as “Prompts”. If you want to get better-quality, more precise answers from AI, you need to tweak the prompt, this is called “prompt engineering”. Check out the conversation below and make your own conclusions about whether AI knows enough about dating as a South African youth!

Q & A with AI

Jackie: Hi AI, how can South African youth find love in the digital age?

AI: Hello! Finding love in the digital age can be both exciting and challenging, and there are several ways in which AI and technology can help South African youth in their quest for love. Here are some ways AI can be of assistance:

Dating Apps and Websites: AI-powered dating apps and websites can help South African youth find potential matches based on their interests, preferences, and location. These platforms use algorithms to suggest compatible partners, making the initial search easier.

Personalised Recommendations: AI can analyse user data and behaviour to provide customised recommendations for potential matches. This can help users discover people who are more likely to be compatible with their interests and values.

Jackie: Okay, that’s a boring answer. Let’s try another PROMPT: I am a blogger writing for SA youth and need your help with my article. Can you pretend you are a funny matchmaker, and answer the same question above?

AI: Well, darling blogger, call me AI Cupid, I’m here to sprinkle a little AI magic on their love lives. I can help them find potential matches, offer dating tips, and even predict compatibility. You know, like your very own love guru with some extra ones and zeroes!

Jackie: Haha, AI Cupid, you sound like quite the matchmaker. But can you really understand the complexities of love in our Rainbow Nation? It’s a unique blend of cultures and traditions!

AI: Ah, that’s where my AI superpowers come into play. I’m constantly learning and adapting to understand the nuances of South African dating. Whether it’s a braai date in Pretoria or a scenic hike in Cape Town, I’ve got it covered. Plus, I’m fluent in multiple South African languages – no “lost in translation” moments with me!

Jackie: Okay, I am wrapping up my article now; do you have any encouraging words for the young readers looking for love? Make your response one sentence long and inspiring.

AI: “Embrace the journey of love, for in every heartache, you’ll find a lesson, and in every connection, the potential for something beautiful.” 💖

Tell us: do you use Facebook, Instagram or Tinder to find love? Do you think AI suggesting things to you based on your data is cool or it’s creepy?