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Love in the Age of AI: Is there a Future for Genuine Connection?

Dating in 2025 is about to undergo a significant transformation. Match Group, the behemoth behind Tinder and Hinge, is rolling out a new AI assistant promising to revolutionize the online dating experience.

For the weary swipers out there, the idea of an AI sidekick taking the reins might sound appealing. This assistant will craft your profile, curate your photos, and even suggest messages tailored to your matches' interests. It seems like the perfect solution to cut through user fatigue and declining app usage.

But is AI the answer to finding love, or is it a recipe for losing the ability to connect authentically?

The Rise of the AI Matchmaker

Match Group believes AI is the key to unlocking a new era of dating. Their vision involves the assistant influencing everything from profile creation to matching algorithms, essentially streamlining the entire process. They claim it will lead to better efficiency and outcomes for users, requiring less effort for potentially greater rewards.

Concerns and Ethical Dilemmas

However, experts like Anastasiia Babash, a researcher at the University of Tartu, raise concerns about this overreliance on AI. She worries that users might become dependent on technology, losing the ability to have real, spontaneous conversations. This could ultimately hinder the development of genuine connections.

Data privacy is another major concern. Dating apps collect a vast amount of personal information to fuel their algorithms. Babash questions the security of this data and whether companies like Match Group can be trusted to remove existing biases that might lead to discrimination within the AI systems.

Beyond Dating: A Focus on Friendship and Knowledge Sharing

While the rise of AI in dating is a fascinating development, it's important to remember that not everyone seeks romantic connections. Here at Rezfox, we recognize the value of human connection in all its forms. That's why our app goes beyond traditional dating, offering dedicated sections for friendship and knowledge sharing.

Finding Your Tribe: Building Friendships

Our user-friendly interface allows you to connect with people who share your interests,  whether it's hiking, book clubs, or simply having someone to chat with online. You can build meaningful friendships and expand your social circle, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Knowledge is Power: Sharing and Learning

Our knowledge-sharing section allows you to connect with experts and enthusiasts in various fields. Learn a new language, pick up a new skill, or simply engage in stimulating discussions. It's a fantastic platform for personal growth and intellectual exploration.

The Human Touch: A Balanced Approach

At Rezfox, we believe technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction. While AI might play a role in the future of dating, we believe genuine connections are fostered through authentic communication and shared experiences. We offer a space for all types of connections,  whether you're seeking love, friendship, or simply a platform to learn and grow.

So, in 2025 and beyond,  embrace the possibilities that technology offers, but don't forget the power of human connection. Let's build a future where AI complements, rather than dictates, our journeys towards finding love, friendship, and personal fulfillment.

 

Reference:

Boyd, R. (2024, December 30). Dating apps prepare to launch Al features to help users find love. The Guardian. 

Ahneen, Tansi, Sago, Hello

We have put together a list of the commonly asked questions from our social media pages and conversations we have had with people at conferences during our promotional tours. We will start with the Biggest and most often asked question;

Question 1) Is Rezfox only for Indigenous People?

Brad: In the beginning the general consensus was that it was, a Native website created by a Native company it must be just for Natives right?. Well, WRONG!, Rezfox was created by a Native company for Native people to connect online and share their culture, lifestyles, trials and tribulations with each other including Non-Natives. Rezfox is not just a dating site or friend finding, Rezfox was created to foster communication between all Nations to help breakdown the stereotypes and negative impact of these stereotypes. Communication between all Nations is key, Native or Non-Natives we all have a story to tell, and this will help us all. So, Everyone is welcome to join and learn about our fascinating cultures.

Question 2) I have heard you talk about Rezfox's 3L philosophy, can you explain this in more detail?

Brad:  Yes, Of course. The 3L's stand for Live, Love and Learn

Live, Live life to the fullest, climb your mountain.

Love, Love unconditionally, you can only learn to love by loving, and

Learn, learn everyday, learn about cultures, places, people, this will help stop the stereotypes imposed on all Cultures, Native or Non-Native.

Question 3) I know you have a PWA app (Progressive Web App) which basically means the Rezfox's website when used on your smartphone will automatically adapt the Rezfox website to acted like a App. Do you plan on developing a App that you could download from a app store in the future?

Brad: Yes! We are currently finalizing the build and the new Rezfox app will be in your app store end of year. We are very excited about this and will have some really cool features and uses. We have brought our prices down to help people access the app more and there still is the free options. We have added our "Weekender/Powwow" package where you can get full VIP access for 3 days for less then a Starbucks coffee. Think about this, you go to the Gathering of Nations powwow and there are 20,000+ Natives, how do you find like minded people??? well, pull out your smartphone and Rezfox app, hit the search button. Every person on the Rezfox app in your desired distance and current location will show up and you can connect with whoever you wish. (Don't be a creeper) This is a great feature to find someone that wants to learn, wants to date, wants to be chat.

Question 4) Talking about Creepers, how does a person keep themselves safe while using the app?

Brad: Well, in this powwow scenario you couldn't ask for a better or safe situation. Number one, you are with a lot of people in a public place and two, you can meet them in person and see what their vibe is. We also have the "Blocking" feature and at anytime you can logout of app if you think someone is creepy. Just like meeting someone in any other place, be smart,. You can also video chat first with the person this is always a good idea.  Just watch for the Red flags.

Question 5) Let's talk about Tomahawk 141 radio, you have it playing on the Rezfox website will it be on the new app?

Brad: Yes, we had such a great response from Rezfox users that we will be adding it to the app. Tomahawk 141 is a great way to listen to Indigenous music while hearing mainstream music. Tomahawk 141 plays One Indigenous artist followed by Non-Native mainstream artist, get it? One 4 one? Anyways, listeners love this format and it keeps them engaged. We are adding more shows to the station "Powwow Trail" "Barn Burner" etc in the near future. Being a No-Talk radio station gives us a lot of time to showcase our Indigenous talent and squeeze in more music.

Thanks for the time, we will be asking more question in the near future so stay tuned and stay safe!

 

It's a match! Your Rezfox answered you back!! What Next??...

Online dating is continuing to grow in popularity and constantly evolve. In previous years, websites like eHarmony, Match, and Rezfox.ca, dominated the online dating scene. Now, with mobile apps like tinber, Hinge and Rezfox.ca app, online dating is transforming to help you find matches easier and faster than before.

As a matter of fact, online dating has become so popular that, according to Match, 53% of singles have jumped onto the trend and created their own profiles. But while dating is alive and well, it's important to keep in mind how to stay safe while meeting up with people you don't know very well.

To help you safely embark on your quest for finding that “special someone”, keep these 10 tips in mind.

Our 10 Safety Tips for Online Dating

    1    Do Your Research

    Everyone should know the drill- do a simple Google search before meeting your date. That doesn’t mean become a stalker, that just means make sure you have at least some idea as to who the person is before you meet with him or her. If possible, try to find pictures and see what additional information comes up about the person beyond Rezfox, Facebook and Instagram.

    2    Use a Google Voice Number Instead of Your Own

    To take your safety a step further, get a free Google Voice phone number. With the Google Voice app, you’re able to check your calls, voicemails, and messages without giving out your real number. You can also block anyone who comes across a little “sketch”. Keep your personal number secure and only for people you feel comfortable with.

    3    Video Chat Your Date Before Meeting

    Today, there are so many ways to video chat, Rezfox's video chat feature on its webbased software (rezfox.ca) is already available to its paid memberships and it’s a good idea to get a glimpse of your date before meeting him or her. This could also help to reduce the risk of being “catfished” by someone claiming to be someone he or she is not.

    4    Chat by Phone Before the First Date

    Go “old-school” and reach out by phone before your first date. Why is this a good idea? Talking by phone allows you to hear the other individual and to pick up on certain verbal cues that may be hidden through instant messaging or texts, Additionally, this gives you the chance to feel out the individual better before first meeting.

    5    Drive Yourself or Take Public Transportation

    Don’t accept the invitation to carpool- take your own vehicle or use public transportation if possible. Dating app Rezfox also shares this tip for online dating safety since by carpooling, your first date would find out where you live and essentially have control over where you two go. Taking your own vehicle also lowers the risk of putting yourself in an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation because you’ll be in control over where you go.

    6    Meet Up in a Public Place

    For the first date or two, avoid going somewhere private with your date. Instead, meet at a public place where there are plenty of people around, like a restaurant, cafe, skating rink, or another place where there’s typically a good crowd. In the event that you feel uncomfortable, there will be other people around who can help. Additionally, this gives a family member or friend the opportunity to be present or in the vicinity should something go wrong.As another great tip, if you visit a bar or restaurant, let a bartender or waitress know if things aren’t going right on your date through code. Some bars have secret codes like asking for an “Angel Shot” that guests could use to notify a staff member that something’s off-key.

    7    Tell Someone Else the Deets

    That brings us to the next tip- let someone else know who your date is, where you are going, when you expect to be home and any other important details. eHarmony suggests always doing this in their list of tips for a safe and successful first date. It gives you the comfort of knowing someone else knows where you’re supposed to be if something goes wrong.

    8    Don’t Give Out Too Much Personal Info. Upfront

    Rezfox offers this important dating safety tip: be careful about the information you share. Don’t give out places you normally visit, your family members’ locations, your birthday and other personal information so quickly. After you and your date get to know each other a little better and feel more comfrtable, then you can share a little more about yourself.

    9    Carry Pepper Spray

    Should things go terribly wrong on your date, it’s better to be prepared than not, so consider carrying a can of pepper spray. Hopefully you won’t have to use this, but like the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Also, be sure that you know how to use your pepper spray should you decide to carry it.

    10    Stay Sober

    One big mistake that people tend to make while meeting an online date is drinking without being mindful that their date might not have the best intentions. As almost 50 million people online dating today. However, with the landscape of dating changing, it’s still important to keep your safety in mind when meeting with people you don’t know very well.

    While women may seem like the only individuals whose safety is at risk, men also need to be cautious with online dating. The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that “[m]ore than 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and more than 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime”.

    Keep your safety first and foremost. We hope these 10 tips will not only help with your first date but also any dates that follow as you search for your “special someone”.

Be Safe!! Smart!! Secure!! 

TVO.org talks to three Indigenous creators — of video games, apps, online archives, and more — about how they’re working to develop richer, more inclusive online spaces

Indigenization is an evolving concept, and, as such, it can be tricky to define.

The Memorial University Gazette defines it as “change led by Indigenous people to bring Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing into spaces that are not designed for those ways.” An Indigenous cultural-competency training document from the City of Toronto calls it “the intentional process of remaking inherited structures and processes in ways that acknowledge and respect, and include Indigenous worldview, knowledge systems, values, and approaches.”

Niigaan Sinclair, a professor of Native studies at the University of Manitoba, refers to it simply as “the process of building our own institutions with Indigenous voices at the centre.”

The term is often applied to changes being introduced at post-secondary institutions, but it also describes the ways in which Indigenous creators — of video games, dating apps, online archives, and more — are shaping the digital world. 

TVO.org spoke with three such creators about empowering Indigenous people and developing a richer, more inclusive digital space.

Brad Pine, a member of Garden River First Nation, is the owner of Etribe Network — the company behind RezFox, a dating app; Tipi BnB, an Indigenous homestay experience; and Waboos, a search engine that populates only with Indigenous results.

Etribe is a work in progress. Waboos has been around for years, but Pine hopes to see the number of listings increase. Currently, between 200 and 300 First Nations businesses are accessible on the site; by 2020, he aims to raise that number to 50,000.

The company also recently relaunched RezFox. Like many of Etribe’s other endeavours, Pine says, RezFox is intended to serve a bigger purpose — education. “RezFox is not just about Natives dating Natives,” he says. “If there's a non-Native person who wants to go on RezFox, or any of our sites, and actually have a conversation with First Nations, they can.”

to read the whole story click HERE

People are turning to apps like Tinder and Bumble to find love. But now there's Rezfox, a dating app created with Indigenous people in mind. 

"The difference between Rezfox and other apps that are out there is that we are Native specific … for Indigenous people across North America," said Brad Pine, who is on the app's development team.

"We're trying to bring everybody together underneath one umbrella, as one community."

What's unique about Rezfox is that it allows users to specify things about their Indigenous heritage such as their clan and nation.

The app isn't actually new, it originally launched in the early 2000s, but didn't last very long.

"I think we were way ahead of our time at that time, but also there was no connectivity for First Nations," said Pine. "Now everybody's got smartphones and connectivity across the country is moving fast and furious."

Pine also said that people are lot more accepting of online dating than they were 15 years ago.

"People don't see online dating as a negative … it's common practice now for people to meet online," said Pine.

Despite a short stint the first time around, Pine said there are lasting love connections from the first iteration of the app. 

"We have Rezfox children now … at least 10 of them. We have some marriages that are still thriving today," said Pine.

"So it had worked out, and hopefully we can create something like that again."

Listen to original broadcast Here

Original Story by: Stephanie Cram· February 8