Stories

Thu, 21 May 2026

Thu, 21 May 2026 Love factually: Dating start-ups promise to cut the cheats

Frustration with fake dating profiles has spurred new dating services with different approaches.
Dennie Smith had an idea while standing in a WW1 trench: online dating apps aren't doing enough to protect users from scammers and fake profiles. She created the Geek Meet Club, which focuses on bringing together like-minded people through offline events. Smith vetts each applicant personally and excludes those she suspects of being fakes. Around 50 applicants are rejected each month to prevent bad behavior among members. The club's events aim to bring people together quickly, avoiding online dating's "minefield" of deception. Members are encouraged to meet in person as soon as possible, like going for a coffee or on the High Street. A similar issue is addressed by Cherry Dating, founded by Jo Mason. The app uses software matching to verify members' identities using selfies and ID documents. According to research, 47% of British respondents feel no dating app meets their needs, while 40% say apps have decreased their motivation to meet someone. A poll found that 54% of users admit to using AI to enhance their profiles. Experts suggest interest-specific sites and age-related apps are more likely to be successful. Jocelyn Penque, a dating coach, uses technology like Copilot or ChatGPT to help people write about themselves but emphasizes the importance of meeting in person as soon as possible. A small group of her clients took a trip to the Azores for whale-watching and introspection on finding the right partner, highlighting the benefits of being offline.