New Dating App in South Africa Uses AI to Match People on Interests

Aura Connect, South Africa’s groundbreaking new dating app, sets itself apart by prioritising authentic connections based on unique interests and personality traits. The app launches with an innovative campaign inviting users to ‘Match your Aura’.

As the world increasingly moves online and meeting people virtually becomes the norm, a question for many South African singles is how to find safe and authentic connections with people they resonate with. An influx of dating apps appears to be the answer, but for those seeking a real connection based on mutual values, interests and personality traits, there is a gap in the market.

With challenges such as only a ‘hook-up’ app, low-quality matches, gender limitations, app complexities, and privacy concerns, the country’s most recognised and used dating apps are losing traction (Tinder users, for example, dropped by 8% in 2023). Even homegrown South African dating apps face criticism around potential scam activity and overall experience.

“South Africa lacks a niched, safe and inclusive dating app experience that allows users to be themselves while seeking like-minded partners”, says Charlene Anup, Founder of Aura Connect. “With Aura Connect, we are looking to provide a space that goes further than traditional dating apps to rather create a community where people can share their experiences, make authentic connections, and safely explore the relationship possibilities with people who share the same interests and long-term goals.  By leveraging the emerging trends of AI matching and a firm focus on safely authenticating users, we offer a more personalised experience of connecting beyond static, and often untrue, profiles. While video chat features are not yet available, they are part of our future vision to further enhance user experience.”

The app is expected to become a platform that will cater to a much broader diversity of users, matches based on religious beliefs, and even bring together individuals with the same career or sporting interests. Anup elaborates: “We see so many people yearning for meaningful compatibility connection. We want to give them a community where essentially ‘their vibe attracts their tribe’ where transparency, honesty, respect for all and empowered choices transcend the user experience to become the human experience.”

In terms of functionality, the app will feature a strict verification process to ensure the authenticity and safety of user profiles. It has also been developed with the user experience firmly in mind, with features like guided profile creation to prompt users to reflect their core values and future goals and interests, as well as values-based matching in an intuitive and seamless user journey.

“We have spent a lot of time defining the user experience so that our users don’t feel like it’s just one more swipe to being truly seen and understood,’ continues Anup. “We’re bridging divides to bring people together meaningfully and redefining the superficial norms of the dating industry. Our goal from the outset was to challenge the idea of endless swiping that becomes empty, quickly forgotten interactions. Aura Connect is about so much more than simple dating; it’s about connecting to cement real partnerships and relationships and even build stronger networks.”

The ’Match your Aura’ launch campaign leverages the idea that each individual has an ‘aura’, a unique energy field brimming with potential that radiates their true essence. Users find genuine connection when they can align with their true selves, and it is at this connection point that they experience what they’re ultimately hoping to achieve, whether it be finding love or simply making connections with people to build relationships.

“With this campaign, we hope to not only launch Aura Connect but also show South Africa that online dating can be authentic, a place where people can find compatible partners and a place where they can be safe and have fun. We’re shifting paradigms, inspiring soulful connections, giving the country a reason to believe in the power of true connection once again”, concludes Anup.