i created a experiment comparing two dating profiles, one featuring an original ai character and one featuring a deliberately plain invented persona. i kept the profiles inside a mock app rather than misleading real users
the virtual character received an avalanche of imaginary matches. the ordinary persona struggled to get a reply. my simulated dating market had apparently decided confidence and perfect lighting were everything
i asked the ai character what made her profile successful. she said memorable writing and good photos mattered more than mystery. i suspected having a spaceship helped
i rewrote both profiles to sound like actual people with interests instead of advertisements. the spaceship remained, because no sensible dating app should ban starships