Social Discovery Group’s 2025 Digital Intimacy Trends Report found that dating app users are more obsessed with authenticity than ever.

Dating apps are responding to this rising trend by offering more features that promote honesty and security. Consumers want to know that their online match is telling the truth about their identity and their personal life. This emphasis on authenticity isn’t only about safety, but about making the overall online dating experience more efficient and more fruitful for users. 

Social Discovery Group’s findings were predicted back in the pre-pandemic world of 2019 by clinical psychologist Dr. Cortney Warren. Reflecting on a study she participated in as a researcher for the dating app Plenty of Fish, she said, “Despite the fact that many online dating practices are seen as deceptive, the large majority of singles from this sample would like more honest, real information — both from potential partners and in their own self-presentation.”

The statistics speak for themselves: 70% of the study’s participants admitted that they want their online dating profiles to be more reflective of their authentic selves, and 84% said they were tired of encountering people who exaggerate about their personal successes. Years later, these stats still hit home. 

This is because, as Social Discovery Group shared, people are as dedicated as ever to experiencing emotional intimacy, even if only in a virtual setting. In fact, more than 1 million couples enjoy strictly online romantic relationships through Social Discovery Group platforms, like Dating.com, DateMyAge, and Cupid Media, alone.  

People want to know that the person they’re flirting with online — or planning on meeting in person — is who they say they are. In a post-pandemic world where virtual connections are more important than ever, daters need to know that the apps they use will embrace authenticity, not cover it up with filters, generic AI responses, and boring prompts. 

Photo Features That Keep Us Honest

From time-stamped selfies to customizable prompts, dating app features that keep us honest and authentic about our desires and intentions are all the rage.  “Selfie-based identity verification is paving the way, helping users build trust and genuine connections,” Social Discovery Group confirmed in its report. It’s no wonder Tinder, Bumble, and Plenty of Fish all offer selfie verification nowadays. 

Time-stamped selfies that use facial recognition technology provide an extra layer of security for dating app users who want to know what the person they matched with really looks like. This is intended to cut down on catfish, as well as edited profile pics. 

The dating app HUD has a similar feature, but with video chats instead of selfies. HUD allows users to meet one-on-one in a virtual setting with the added protection of the blur-feature, which can protect the user’s identity and shield them from unwanted images. With these worries addressed, users can make quick connections and start building new relationships. 

In the virtual world, authenticity often connects to safety. “Features that allow users to safely, securely, and easily verify themselves and others will continue to be implemented and refined,” Social Discovery Group predicted. 

AI and Authenticity Don’t Mix… Or Do They? 

Generic interactions are out, and personalized, unique interactions — especially in the classic messaging format — are in. In fact, Social Discovery Group reported that 71% of surveyed singles feel less lonely through virtual messaging. “Users want to encounter relevant people, content, and experiences within the product,” Social Discovery Group pointed out. Direct messaging is arguably the quickest way to make genuine connections with romantic matches

But everyone’s writing ability differs, and some people aren’t as adept at flirting over text or opening up emotionally via DM. Some dating apps have solved this problem by using AI to craft generic messages for users… The opposite of authentic messaging, of course. But AI may not be all bad. 

AI features that spruce up profiles and messages are popular with consumers. Hinge is rolling out a new AI feature called Prompt Feedback, which will do exactly that: provide instant input about how the consumer’s messages could be more unique, more personable, and more memorable. 

Importantly, the AI feature doesn’t write messages for the user, but simply guides them in a more honest and self-reflective direction. Users can learn from the AI tool and spruce up their conversation skills on the app and IRL. 

Understand Your Own Intentions 

Tinder and other dating apps offer a customizable feature that lets users specify the type of relationship they’re looking for. This feature encourages users to be honest about their intentions. Users can avoid the whole “What are we?” conversation entirely by knowing what they and their match want from the beginning. 

This promotes meaningful connections and separates the casual swipers from those looking for a serious relationship. This ultimately saves the user time and energy they would have otherwise spent trying to sus out their match’s interest levels. 

After all, consumers prefer apps that make it possible for them to make genuine connections relatively quickly. Emphasis on “quick”; as Social Discovery Group reported, the modern dater’s need for instant gratification is not to be trifled with. “Today, users are accustomed to quick dopamine hits, and apps must adapt by providing immediate value. Features like fast conversation starters or gamification can effectively enhance engagement and satisfaction.”

Enter dating profile prompts. Many of the most popular dating apps — Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, and Match among them — have taken authenticity a step further by having users fill out unique and thoughtful prompts. These prompts require effort on the user’s part, and clearly indicate a potential match’s sense of humor, creativity, and confidence. The user can get a better sense of their match’s conversational skills, key interests, and even their compatibility, each of which go a long way to promoting authenticity.