Why We Will Not Use Matching Algorithms—but We Do Have a Plan
Who would have thought you could change the world by reverting to the basics?
While doing product research—and after spending some time on dating apps myself—I noticed a common belief: dating apps intentionally match people poorly to keep users coming back and paying.
I have no idea if that’s true, but either way, it doesn’t stop it from being a real concern for people using dating apps.
I’ve taken the time to develop a solid plan on how we will address this issue and resolve the problem both in the short term and the long term.
To address poor-quality matches—NO MATCHING ALGORITHMS. There, that’s settled! Haha. But seriously, if humans were great at matching people, we’d probably be more comfortable with arranged marriages. Just look at the divorce rates—eek. Considering how much effort it takes to date, it’s easy to see why that concept gained traction.
For default searching, we’ll allow you to filter your preferences, but our primary matching will be simple: based on geo-location and the distance you’re willing to travel for a relationship.
Our future plan for matches involves Opt-In Matching Experiments. We’ll provide an explanation of each algorithm, including the logic and theory behind it, and let you decide if you want to try it. You’ll still have access to the default location-based matching, but we’ll offer fun experiments, like matching based on zodiac signs, cat hobbies, or personality traits. The possibilities are endless, and love is so unpredictable—who knows what we’ll discover? We will always choose to Dream big!
To address concerns about matching quality, we want to emphasize that Start With Me is not just a dating app—it’s part of a larger relationship journey. Once you’ve found your match, you can transition to Start With Us, where you’ll explore your foundation and your partner’s foundation, learning how to build a strong, supportive love while creating lasting desire.
If your relationship grows and you choose to invite children into the mix, Start With Them helps recalibrate your relationship to balance parenting and intimacy, ensuring your family dynamic maintains that beautiful and deep sense of desire and love.
Now the spicy one, Flavor of Teal, an app focused on the sexual side of your connection. It begins with discovering yourself, then understanding your partner, and finally embarking on a shared journey of sexual exploration. Can you imagine a relationship where you don’t have to fake it?
Oh, and one last note about filtering: we will not include private details you learn about yourself, such as your attachment style or emotional intelligence scores, in the matching process. These details are for your personal growth and may serve as valuable conversation points as you get to know someone, but they aren’t meant to define or limit your connections.
We’re all growing, and that’s something to celebrate. The version of you tomorrow is shaped by what you learn and experience today, and the same is true for others. Emphasizing this growth as you get to know someone is key to building deeper, more authentic relationships.
With Start With Me, it’s not about algorithms—it’s about creating real opportunities for connection, growth, and making love and relationships exciting again.
Video Explaining the Structure of the company and Product Road Map: