Hi, Mr (Swipe) Right: The science behind dating apps

AI sieves out potential matches for users by detecting what they prefer via swiping behaviour

Ms Jessica Lai and Mr Phua Jun Wen at their wedding reception at the Arbora restaurant on Mount Faber in July last year. The couple met through dating app Paktor, which uses AI to pick up on users' preferences. The app likely caught on early that Ms
Ms Jessica Lai and Mr Phua Jun Wen at their wedding reception at the Arbora restaurant on Mount Faber in July last year. The couple met through dating app Paktor, which uses AI to pick up on users' preferences. The app likely caught on early that Ms Lai preferred tall and lean men like Mr Phua and presented more of such profiles to her. PHOTO: COURTESY OF JESSICA LAI
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

When Ms Jessica Lai, 29, first saw Mr Phua Jun Wen's profile on a dating app five years ago, she had no clue at that time that she would end up marrying the 33-year-old.

"But he definitely ticked the boxes in terms of physical appearance. That's why I swiped right at first," quipped Ms Lai, who is editor of a local travel and lifestyle website.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 04, 2020, with the headline Hi, Mr (Swipe) Right: The science behind dating apps. Subscribe