AI is killing authentic dating - with Daniel Cheaib founder of Feels App
Daniel Cheaib, founder of Feels App, makes a provocative case that dating apps have become drug-like addiction machines that exploit users while failing to deliver on their core promise of meaningful connections. He argues that unrealistic user expectations combined with algorithmic engagement tactics have created a toxic ecosystem, particularly harmful to Gen Z users who form deeper online relationships than previous generations.
Key takeaways
- •Social media platforms should be regulated like drugs because they create genuine addiction through algorithmic manipulation, not intentional malice.
- •Dating apps fail because users expect to find their life partner within days, creating impossibly high expectations that no product can reasonably meet.
- •Digital natives form stronger emotional connections online than millennials ever did, making authentic digital experiences more crucial for Gen Z.
- •Startup founders should prepare for extended periods without salary and multiple near-failure moments before potential investor interest materializes.
- •Dating app addiction mirrors drug dependency - users get hooked on dopamine hits from matches rather than focusing on actual relationship building.
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Best moment
Founder hits rock bottom then investor calls 3 weeks later
within the next two, three months, we had to basically go back to work because, like, we are running out of cash. We have not paid ourselves for, like, two years. They they this was the lowest point. But then, so, basically, I was working two jobs at the same time. One of my cofounder was already back at Google, because he had gone through this, period where he he was, building a company outside, but he couldn't go back. We were all, not working on the product anymore, but then somehow something happened, like, a a a an investor reached out and, I know I know it's three weeks. Everything changed, but, I was I was really at the lowest part of, my entire life, I would say, at this moment. Mhmm. Because I was, I I was afraid I was afraid of of failing, and then it failed. Like, I had to face also my own vulnerabilities
“And the problem in dating apps is that expectations are always high.”
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