Many Hinge users are frustrated by matches who like their profiles but never follow up with a message, leaving the onus on one person to break the ice. This often results in awkward silence and a reliance on generic, uninspired small talk—like asking, “How are you?”—that rarely leads to meaningful connections. To combat this, Hinge has introduced “Convo Starters,” a new AI-powered feature designed to help users kick off conversations with more confidence and creativity. When a user likes a profile, they’ll now see three personalized conversation tips beneath each photo or prompt. These suggestions are generated by AI that analyzes the content of the profile, including photos and written prompts. For instance, if a match is pictured playing chess, the AI might recommend starting with, “I’ve never played chess—how did you get into it?” or “Do you have a favorite strategy?” The goal is to provide relevant, engaging hooks that feel natural and authentic. Hinge developed the feature based on user feedback. Research shows that 72% of Hinge users are more likely to consider a match if they receive a message along with a like. Data also indicates that those who include a comment with their like are twice as likely to go on a date. This new tool builds on Hinge’s earlier AI innovation, the Prompt Feedback feature, which evaluates user prompts and offers suggestions to make them more detailed and compelling. Despite the potential benefits, the integration of AI into online dating is not universally welcomed. A Bloomberg Intelligence survey found that Gen Z users, in particular, are more hesitant than older generations about using AI to draft profile content or respond to messages. Many feel that AI could make interactions feel less personal or even inauthentic. Still, Hinge’s parent company, Match Group, is investing heavily in AI, allocating between $20 million and $30 million to develop and expand these tools. The company believes that smart, user-friendly AI features can help bridge the gap between interest and connection—turning passive likes into real conversations.