With Valentine’s Day approaching, Norton has released new research that shows how AI is embedding itself into online dating with almost half of Australians saying they would consider dating an AI chatbot.
According to the Norton Insights Report: Artificial Intimacy, AI is not just a part of the dating app algorithm, it’s becoming part of the relationship with 45 per cent of online daters saying they would think about dating an AI chat bot.
One in three (34 per cent) also believe an AI partner would provide more emotional support than a human.
But at the same time, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the advances of AI and launching more sophisticated scams that playing into trust, loneliness and the desire for connection.
The report says social engineering, which relies on emotional and physiological manipulation, now accounts for more than 90 per cent of all digital threats.
And dating scams are among the most common form of these attacks.
In fact, more than 17 million dating scams were blocked in Q4 2025 alone – that’s an increase of 19 per cent from 2024.
The research shows 23 per cent of online daters have been targeted by some type of dating scam and among those 38 per cent became a victim.
More than one in four (28 per cent) also say they’ve been pressured to send money to someone they had met online with a further 28% saying they’ve been catfished.
“Technology has transformed how we meet people and now it’s transforming how we feel about them,” said Dean Williams, Principal Systems Engineer for Norton.
“AI-powered tools can feel supportive, attentive and personalised, which makes them incredibly compelling.
“But the same technology is also making scams more convincing, emotional manipulation more subtle, and fake identities harder to spot.
“It’s never been more important to slow down, question what you’re seeing, and protect your personal information.”
Australians are not just turning to the dating apps to find a partner but many are turning to AI for emotional support.
The research shows 76 per cent of Australians experienced loneliness while 35 per cent claim their loneliness has increased since COVID resulting in 27 per cent saying these feelings lead them to make riskier decisions when dating online.
But they’re also leaning on AI for support and comfort with one in five saying they would talk to an AI chat bot to get through a rough day with 14 per cent also using AI to ease their loneliness.
“We’re seeing AI step into very human spaces by listening, comforting and advising,” Williams said.
“That can feel incredibly real. But loneliness can also lower our guard, and that’s when scammers move in.
“It’s important to pause, sense-check what’s happening, and reach out to people you trust in the real world.”
Australians using dating apps are not only worried about finding a match but also about being scammed with research showing that 56 per cent of current dating app users encountering suspicious profiles weekly.
But AI is also being used in the dating experience itself with 44 per cent saying they build their dating profile using AI.
And if the date doesn’t go so well, 41 per cent would use AI to cheer them up with 37 per cent considering letting AI go on a virtual date on their behalf.
The trust is also shifted with more than half (57 per cent) of online daters saying they would trust an AI relationship coach over a human friend or family member.
“Scammers understand the psychology of dating apps,” Williams continued.
“They mirror emotions, build intimacy quickly, and then introduce urgency or secrecy — often involving money.
“Add AI into that mix, and it becomes even easier for bad actors to create stories that feel real, personal, and safe. Real trust should never come with pressure.”
Norton says online daters need to protect themselves online.
Norton 360 has AI powered scam tools, a VPN along with mobile security apps to stay safe while dating online.
It will also flag suspicious links, block phishing attempts and identify malicious sites.
