Romance Reimagined: How AI is Playing Cupid (and Catfish)
Rhea-AI Summary
Norton's latest study reveals AI's growing influence in online dating, with 60% of users believing they've chatted with AI-generated responses. The study shows significant interest in AI applications, with 64% willing to use AI for pick-up lines and 63% for profile development.
However, AI also enables sophisticated scams, with only 46% of users able to identify fake images. 27% of users reported seeing their photos used without permission. The report indicates a 64% increase in blocked dating scam attacks in the US year-over-year, with 40% of dating app users targeted by scams and 41% of those becoming victims.
Common scams include catfishing (55%), romance scams (34%), sugar daddy/baby scams (32%), and sextortion (31%). Norton has launched Genie, a free AI-powered scam detection app, to help users navigate online dating safely.
Positive
- Launch of Norton Genie, a free AI scam detection app
- 64% year-over-year increase in blocked dating scam attacks, showing improved security measures
Negative
- 40% of dating app users targeted by scams
- 41% of targeted users fell victim to scams
- Only 46% of users can identify fake AI-generated images
- 27% of users had their photos stolen for fake profiles
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Norton uncovers AI's role in modern romance, with
While AI can be a helpful dating tool, it can also be leveraged to create convincing fake profiles, generate realistic images and craft messages that seem authentic, making it difficult for people to distinguish real from fake. In fact, the likelihood of people spotting a fake image is the same as flipping a coin, as less than half (
"As AI becomes more ingrained in how people interact and present themselves online, it's critical to recognize both its benefits and the ways it can be manipulated by bad actors," said Leyla Bilge, Director of Scam Research for Norton. "With online dating offering more ways to connect than ever before, it's also giving scammers more opportunities to exploit people. This rise in suspicious profiles and scams underscores the need for caution. Common red flags include people who avoid video or phone calls, profiles with inconsistencies between their bio and their messages or attempts to rush emotional connection or push for personal details too quickly."
Scams aren't just getting more sophisticated; they're happening more often too. Over half (
The most common scams online daters have been victimized by include:
- Catfishing (
55% ) - Romance Scams (
34% ) - Sugar daddy/Sugar baby scams (
32% ) - Sextortion Scams (
31% )
These types of scams prey on people's emotions, with
As the adoption of AI becomes more widespread and scammers target dating apps for their schemes, Norton is leading the charge in educating and protecting people so they can more safely navigate online dating. Norton Genie, a free AI-powered scam detection app, can review texts, emails or web links, including those that direct people to fake dating sites or links from dating app matches, and confirm if it's malicious.
Tips for Safer Online Dating:
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Be wary of anyone who pushes for personal details, such as your address or financial information, early in the conversation.
- Reverse Image Search Photos: If something feels off about your match's photos, perform a reverse image search. This can help determine if the photos are stolen.
- Vet Your Potential Match: Use video or phone calls to verify your match's identity before meeting. If they avoid these steps or make excuses, proceed with caution.
- Recognize Emotional Manipulation: Scammers often try to create a false sense of intimacy and trust quickly. Be wary if someone uses terms like "love" or "soulmate" too early in your conversations and tries to isolate you from friends and family.
- Be aware of Red Flags: Pay attention to behaviors that may signal something if off, such as:
- They Refuse to Meet in Person: If someone consistently avoids meeting face-to-face or making video calls, it may indicate they are hiding who they really are.
- They're Asking for Money: Financial requests, no matter how urgent or emotional the reason (e.g., medical emergencies, travel issues), are major red flags.
- They're Love Bombing You with Gifts: Receiving an unusual number of gifts early in the relationship may seem flattering but can be used to create a sense of obligation or as part of a larger manipulation scheme.
For access to full results of the 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report: Online Dating, please visit https://newsroom.gendigital.com/norton-cyber-safety-report-2025.
About the 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report: Online Dating
The study was conducted online within
About Norton
Norton is a leader in Cyber Safety, and part of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Norton empowers millions of individuals and families with award-winning protection for their devices, online privacy and identity. Norton products and services are certified by independent testing organizations including AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs. Norton is a founding member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware. Learn more at www.norton.com.
Malea Lamb-Hall | Courtney Rowles |
Gen | Edelman for Gen |
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SOURCE Gen Digital Inc.
FAQ
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