Meet the Panelists (01:57)

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Philosopher Christopher Hamilton, scientist Steve Carter, and futurist Anders Sandberg will debate whether dating apps are effective in facilitating love.

The Pitch: Christopher Hamilton (03:59)

Hamilton argues that dating apps may warp relationships by adding to the confusion between love and sex. He sees humans as easily influenced and blind to the addictive nature of smartphone technology.

The Pitch: Steve Carter (03:23)

Carter lists positive and negative aspects of computer communication and Internet dating. He discusses eHarmony's goals of using data and algorithms to predict long-term compatibility.

The Pitch: Anders Sandberg (03:53)

Sandberg outlines the history of courtship and dating. Electronic communication and databases have increased the pool of potential partners and length of time required to find them. Dating apps are shaping our idea of romantic love.

Theme 1: Is Finding Love Simply a Matter of Getting the Right Data? (07:16)

The eHarmony founder was a couple's therapist who researched compatibility in successful marriages and built a statistical model around keeping incompatible people apart. Neuroticism in relation to the self is the main psychometric relationship predictor.

Machine Learning and Matchmaking Apps (05:43)

Sandberg discusses how smartphones have become extensions of the brain. Algorithms can predict relationship compatibility with large data sets, but fail to account for human complexity and unique cases. Hamilton and Carter debate the effectiveness of algorithms for predicting relationship behavior.

Theme 2: Does Science or Philosophy Hold the Key to Understanding Love? (05:46)

Hamilton sees philosophy as increasing awareness of relationship complexity. Carter says science identifies behaviors to develop predictive models for relationship success. He describes meeting his wife in a bar.

Blaming the Algorithm (05:12)

Sandberg argues that the best way to understand love depends on individual expectations. He cautions against outsourcing responsibility for failed relationships. Carter says eHarmony customers do not blame the company for their relationship outcomes.

Theme 3: Is the Future of Relationships Digital and What Would This Mean for Society? (08:02)

Personal contact will remain important for relationships while culture will increasingly shape love. Hamilton compares digital life to Robert Nozick's "experience machine" and finds it dehumanizing. Carter acknowledges that matchmaking algorithms are forms of social engineering and encourages face-to-face interaction.

Credits: Love Me Tinder: What Does Love Look Like in the Digital Age? (00:19)

Credits: Love Me Tinder: What Does Love Look Like in the Digital Age?