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A question for Valentine's Day: Have dating apps killed romance?

It's a new debate from the Intelligence Squared series.

More than 49 million Americans have given digital dating a try and the companies facilitating these matches are making billions. But are dating apps really designed to promote long-lasting romance? 

The dark origins of Valentine's Day

Apps like Tinder and Bumble make finding a date as easy as swiping right, while digital platforms like Match.com and OkCupid use specialized algorithms to help users find the perfect partner.

Daniel Jones says "love is for the sucker in us, not the skeptic." 

Manoush Zomorodi says dating apps have "destroyed civility and conversation," and are not good for romance. Instead, she says, "we revert to our crudest instincts instead of bringing out people's most caring, loving and romantic selves."

According to Helen Fisher, "technology cannot change the basic brain structure of romance" and "the drive for romance and love is one of the most powerful brain systems the human animal has ever evolved."

Tom Jacques of OkCupid says dating apps "break down barriers and allow you to connect, form relationships, and even marry people who you might not otherwise have met."

Daniel Jones, Editor, New York Times' "Modern Love" column and author of "Love Illuminated."

Eric Klinenberg, Sociologist & Co-Author, "Modern Romance."

Manoush Zomorodi, Host and Managing Editor of the WNYC podcast Note to Self. Author of "Bored and Brilliant."

Helen Fisher, Biological Anthropologist & Chief Scientific Advisor, Match.com. Author of "Anatomy of Love." 

Tom Jacques, Vice President of Engineering, OkCupid.

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A question for Valentine's Day: Have dating apps killed romance?


More than 49 million Americans have given digital dating a try and the companies facilitating these matches are making billions. But are dating apps really designed to promote long-lasting romance?

Have dating apps killed romance?

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IQ2 debate: Have dating apps killed romance?

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