Relationships Talk

If you’re struggling to muster up the courage to ask someone on a date , you’ll be happy to hear that help is at hand – in the form of an AI dating coach.

Match.com has launched its ‘Lara’ chatbot for users on Google Assistant.

Lara acts as a personal wing-woman, guiding singles through the dating process with bespoke advice.

While Lara was previously only available to chat to through Facebook Messenger, Match has expanded the chatbot to Google Assistant.

Conversations can be started by saying the phrase: “Ok Google, talk to Lara from Match” (Image: Match)

Conversations can be started by saying the phrase: “Ok Google, talk to Lara from Match.”

Then, using artificial intelligence and key word recognition technology, Lara can understand users’ intentions and hold a full conversation to help them though the dating journey.

Lara can help users in three ways.

Firstly, for Match members, the chatbot can suggest a Daily Match, based on search preferences.

Lara can offer date location suggestions (Image: Match)

Next, Lara can offer date location suggestions.

She will ask what kind of date setting you’re looking or, and use Google Maps to make recommendations.

Finally, for those with first-date jitters, Lara can give dating advice – including top date turn-offs, and how to battle nerves.

And the more daters chat to Lara, the more she gets to know them, meaning her answers will be more tailored in the future.

Lara can text you suggestions (Image: Match)

Xavier de Baillenx, Innovation Leader at Match says: “This is a very exciting time for Match and puts us at the forefront of innovation in the dating industry.

“We are always looking at the role technology can play in improving our member’s experience to offer them new ways of meeting their potential dates that will easily fit in with their busy everyday life.

“Building upon the success of Lara on Facebook, we wanted to enhance and explore the possibilities of AI, which has provided us with a great outcome so far. We look forward to developing Lara further as technology evolves.”