Romance Reimagined: How AI is Playing Cupid (and Catfish)
Norton's latest study reveals AI's growing influence in online dating, with 60% of users believing they've chatted with AI-generated responses. The study shows significant interest in AI applications, with 64% willing to use AI for pick-up lines and 63% for profile development.
However, AI also enables sophisticated scams, with only 46% of users able to identify fake images. 27% of users reported seeing their photos used without permission. The report indicates a 64% increase in blocked dating scam attacks in the US year-over-year, with 40% of dating app users targeted by scams and 41% of those becoming victims.
Common scams include catfishing (55%), romance scams (34%), sugar daddy/baby scams (32%), and sextortion (31%). Norton has launched Genie, a free AI-powered scam detection app, to help users navigate online dating safely.
Ultimo studio di Norton rivela l'influenza crescente dell'IA negli incontri online, con il 60% degli utenti che credono di aver chattato con risposte generate dall'IA. Lo studio mostra un interesse significativo per le applicazioni dell'IA, con il 64% disposto a utilizzare l'IA per frasi di approccio e il 63% per lo sviluppo del profilo.
Tuttavia, l'IA consente anche truffe sofisticate, con solo il 46% degli utenti in grado di identificare immagini false. Il 27% degli utenti ha segnalato di aver visto le proprie foto utilizzate senza permesso. Il rapporto indica un 64% di aumento degli attacchi di truffe romantiche bloccate negli Stati Uniti anno su anno, con il 40% degli utenti di app di incontri presi di mira dalle truffe e il 41% di questi diventati vittime.
Le truffe comuni includono il catfishing (55%), le truffe romantiche (34%), le truffe dello sugar daddy/baby (32%) e la sextortion (31%). Norton ha lanciato Genie, un'app gratuita di rilevamento delle truffe alimentata dall'IA, per aiutare gli utenti a navigare in modo sicuro negli incontri online.
El último estudio de Norton revela la creciente influencia de la IA en las citas en línea, con el 60% de los usuarios creyendo que han chateado con respuestas generadas por IA. El estudio muestra un interés significativo en las aplicaciones de IA, con el 64% dispuesto a usar IA para líneas de ligue y el 63% para el desarrollo de perfiles.
Sin embargo, la IA también habilita estafas sofisticadas, con solo el 46% de los usuarios capaces de identificar imágenes falsas. El 27% de los usuarios reportaron haber visto sus fotos usadas sin permiso. El informe indica un 64% de aumento en los ataques de estafas de citas bloqueadas en EE. UU. año tras año, con el 40% de los usuarios de aplicaciones de citas siendo dirigidos por estafas y el 41% de esos convirtiéndose en víctimas.
Las estafas comunes incluyen el catfishing (55%), estafas románticas (34%), estafas de sugar daddy/baby (32%) y sextorsión (31%). Norton ha lanzado Genie, una aplicación gratuita de detección de estafas impulsada por IA, para ayudar a los usuarios a navegar de manera segura en las citas en línea.
노턴의 최신 연구에 따르면, 온라인 데이팅에서 AI의 영향력이 커지고 있으며, 60%의 사용자가 AI의 응답과 대화했을 것이라고 믿고 있습니다. 연구는 AI 애플리케이션에 대한 상당한 관심을 보여주며, 64%는 핸드폰 연락처에 AI를 사용하고 싶어하며, 63%는 프로필 개발을 위해 AI를 사용하고 싶어합니다.
하지만 AI는 정교한 사기를 가능하게 하며, 46%의 사용자만이 가짜 이미지를 식별할 수 있습니다. 27%의 사용자가 허락 없이 자신의 사진이 사용된 것을 보고했습니다. 보고서에 따르면 미국에서 차단된 데이팅 사기 공격이 해마다 64% 증가했으며, 데이팅 앱 사용자 중 40%가 사기의 표적이 되었고, 41%는 피해자가 되었습니다.
일반적인 사기에는 캣피싱 (55%), 로맨스 사기 (34%), 설탕 아빠/아기 사기 (32%), 그리고 섹스토션 (31%)이 포함됩니다. 노턴은 사용자가 안전하게 온라인 데이팅을 탐색할 수 있도록 돕기 위해 AI 기반의 무료 사기 탐지 앱 제니를 출시했습니다.
La dernière étude de Norton révèle l'influence croissante de l'IA dans les rencontres en ligne, avec 60% des utilisateurs croyant avoir discuté avec des réponses générées par IA. L'étude montre un intérêt significatif pour les applications de l'IA, 64% étant prêts à utiliser l'IA pour des phrases d'accroche et 63% pour le développement de profils.
Cependant, l'IA permet également des arnaques sophistiquées, avec seulement 46% des utilisateurs capables d'identifier des images fausses. 27% des utilisateurs ont signalé avoir vu leurs photos utilisées sans permission. Le rapport indique une augmentation de 64% des attaques de scams sur les sites de rencontre aux États-Unis d'année en année, avec 40% des utilisateurs d'applications de rencontre ciblés par des arnaques et 41% d'entre eux devenant des victimes.
Les arnaques courantes comprennent le catfishing (55%), les arnaques romantiques (34%), les arnaques de sugar daddy/baby (32%) et la sextorsion (31%). Norton a lancé Genie, une application gratuite de détection des arnaques alimentée par IA, pour aider les utilisateurs à naviguer en toute sécurité dans les rencontres en ligne.
Nortons neueste Studie zeigt den wachsenden Einfluss von KI im Online-Dating, wobei 60% der Nutzer glauben, mit KI-generierten Antworten gechattet zu haben. Die Studie zeigt ein signifikantes Interesse an KI-Anwendungen, wobei 64% bereit sind, KI für Anmachsprüche und 63% für die Profilerstellung zu nutzen.
Allerdings ermöglicht KI auch ausgeklügelte Betrügereien, wobei nur 46% der Nutzer in der Lage sind, gefälschte Bilder zu identifizieren. 27% der Nutzer berichteten, dass ihre Fotos ohne Erlaubnis verwendet wurden. Der Bericht weist auf einen 64% Anstieg der blockierten Dating-Betrugsversuche in den USA im Jahresvergleich hin, wobei 40% der Nutzer von Dating-Apps Ziel von Betrügereien wurden und 41% von ihnen Opfer wurden.
Zu den häufigsten Betrügereien gehören Catfishing (55%), Romantikbetrug (34%), Sugar Daddy/Baby-Betrug (32%) und Sextortion (31%). Norton hat Genie, eine kostenlose KI-gestützte Betrugserkennungs-App, ins Leben gerufen, um den Nutzern zu helfen, sicher im Online-Dating zu navigieren.
- Launch of Norton Genie, a free AI scam detection app
- 64% year-over-year increase in blocked dating scam attacks, showing improved security measures
- 40% of dating app users targeted by scams
- 41% of targeted users fell victim to scams
- Only 46% of users can identify fake AI-generated images
- 27% of users had their photos stolen for fake profiles
Insights
The latest Norton Cyber Safety Report presents compelling data that signals a significant market opportunity for GEN in the rapidly evolving online dating security sector. The report's findings of a 64% year-over-year increase in blocked dating scam attacks, combined with 40% of dating app users being targeted by scams, indicates a growing addressable market for cybersecurity solutions.
The introduction of Norton Genie, while currently free, strategically positions GEN to capitalize on the intersection of AI and dating security. The timing is particularly advantageous given that 60% of online daters report encountering AI-generated conversations, creating a clear market need for AI-powered detection tools. This move could drive user acquisition and create opportunities for premium service upsells.
The data reveals several key growth vectors:
- Rising scam sophistication requiring advanced AI-powered solutions
- Increasing user awareness of security risks (55% encounter suspicious profiles weekly)
- Growing market for authentication and verification services
The high victimization rates across various scam types (catfishing at 55%, romance scams at 34%) suggest strong potential for premium security service adoption. GEN's strategic focus on AI-powered security tools positions it favorably against competitors, particularly as the company leverages its established brand trust in the cybersecurity space to address this growing market segment.
Norton uncovers AI's role in modern romance, with
While AI can be a helpful dating tool, it can also be leveraged to create convincing fake profiles, generate realistic images and craft messages that seem authentic, making it difficult for people to distinguish real from fake. In fact, the likelihood of people spotting a fake image is the same as flipping a coin, as less than half (
"As AI becomes more ingrained in how people interact and present themselves online, it's critical to recognize both its benefits and the ways it can be manipulated by bad actors," said Leyla Bilge, Director of Scam Research for Norton. "With online dating offering more ways to connect than ever before, it's also giving scammers more opportunities to exploit people. This rise in suspicious profiles and scams underscores the need for caution. Common red flags include people who avoid video or phone calls, profiles with inconsistencies between their bio and their messages or attempts to rush emotional connection or push for personal details too quickly."
Scams aren't just getting more sophisticated; they're happening more often too. Over half (
The most common scams online daters have been victimized by include:
- Catfishing (
55% ) - Romance Scams (
34% ) - Sugar daddy/Sugar baby scams (
32% ) - Sextortion Scams (
31% )
These types of scams prey on people's emotions, with
As the adoption of AI becomes more widespread and scammers target dating apps for their schemes, Norton is leading the charge in educating and protecting people so they can more safely navigate online dating. Norton Genie, a free AI-powered scam detection app, can review texts, emails or web links, including those that direct people to fake dating sites or links from dating app matches, and confirm if it's malicious.
Tips for Safer Online Dating:
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Be wary of anyone who pushes for personal details, such as your address or financial information, early in the conversation.
- Reverse Image Search Photos: If something feels off about your match's photos, perform a reverse image search. This can help determine if the photos are stolen.
- Vet Your Potential Match: Use video or phone calls to verify your match's identity before meeting. If they avoid these steps or make excuses, proceed with caution.
- Recognize Emotional Manipulation: Scammers often try to create a false sense of intimacy and trust quickly. Be wary if someone uses terms like "love" or "soulmate" too early in your conversations and tries to isolate you from friends and family.
- Be aware of Red Flags: Pay attention to behaviors that may signal something if off, such as:
- They Refuse to Meet in Person: If someone consistently avoids meeting face-to-face or making video calls, it may indicate they are hiding who they really are.
- They're Asking for Money: Financial requests, no matter how urgent or emotional the reason (e.g., medical emergencies, travel issues), are major red flags.
- They're Love Bombing You with Gifts: Receiving an unusual number of gifts early in the relationship may seem flattering but can be used to create a sense of obligation or as part of a larger manipulation scheme.
For access to full results of the 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report: Online Dating, please visit https://newsroom.gendigital.com/norton-cyber-safety-report-2025.
About the 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report: Online Dating
The study was conducted online within
About Norton
Norton is a leader in Cyber Safety, and part of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Norton empowers millions of individuals and families with award-winning protection for their devices, online privacy and identity. Norton products and services are certified by independent testing organizations including AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs. Norton is a founding member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware. Learn more at www.norton.com.
Malea Lamb-Hall | Courtney Rowles |
Gen | Edelman for Gen |
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SOURCE Gen Digital Inc.
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