Love in the time of AI
Lately, artificial intelligence (AI) has made its way to the most human of endeavours: love. But the consequences are still relatively unknown. “Technology can make dating smoother and more supportive, but authenticity is a core priority. Meaningful connections can only happen between real people,” reflects Karima Ben Abdelmalek, chief executive officer & president of dating app happn. She shares with ET Panache her thoughts on leadership, love, technology and how they interact, for better or worse.
How does your legal experience at global tech firms such as Microsoft and Dailymotion inform your current strategy at happn?
It taught me to look beyond technology itself and recognise data protection, platform responsibility, trust and user rights as fundamental strategic priorities for building products that are not only functional but designed for real people and their everyday lives. Unlike traditional tech platforms, we are operating in the space of human emotion, vulnerability and connection. That means technology must feel intuitive and empathetic, not transactional. Tech evolves daily, so staying adaptable and open to learning is essential in such a fast-moving landscape. Equally important is surrounding yourself with people who know what they’re doing and are willing to collaborate.
What is the first step a leader should take to build a gender-balanced leadership team?
Leaders must be intentional. Inclusive leadership brings stronger empathy, sharper decision-making and organisations that better reflect the communities they serve. There is no shortage of talented women with innovative ideas and capability, particularly in tech, but access, visibility, and sponsorship have often been the missing links. That means rethinking hiring pipelines, investing in mentorship and sponsorship and ensuring that leadership potential is identified early and supported consistently. As such, I’m also involved with the organisation Women in Dating because representation has to extend beyond one company.
AI is now omnipresent in the tech space. How can it be used to foster human connections?
As AI becomes more embedded in everyday life, platforms have a responsibility to protect real-world interaction and ensure technology enhances, rather than obstructs, genuine human encounters. The purpose of some of our new features is to reduce friction by suggesting ideas and helping people translate intent into real-world effort. At the same time, we have taken a clear global stance against the misuse of AI through our AI reporting feature.
How does a dating app adapt to nuances between India’s Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities and prioritise user experience?
In metros, people are often more comfortable expressing individuality, experimenting with formats and discovering what works for them. In Tier-2 cities, we see a stronger focus on intention, compatibility and clarity around long-term expectations. That’s where our features allow singles to signal what they’re looking for upfront, helping set expectations and reduce ambiguity. When societal or family expectations feel overwhelming, technology can give people a sense of control and privacy. Additionally, women join and stay on platforms where they feel safe, respected, and in control of their experience. That means investing consistently in strong moderation and clear reporting systems.
How did you navigate career conversations back when you were searching for a partner?
I’ve been married for many years now, and my life partner and I encourage and support each other in every aspect of our professional lives. For me, ambition and love have never been incompatible, they strengthen one another. When you’re open about your goals and find someone who genuinely respects and supports them, it creates a partnership built on mutual growth rather than compromise.
How does your legal experience at global tech firms such as Microsoft and Dailymotion inform your current strategy at happn?
It taught me to look beyond technology itself and recognise data protection, platform responsibility, trust and user rights as fundamental strategic priorities for building products that are not only functional but designed for real people and their everyday lives. Unlike traditional tech platforms, we are operating in the space of human emotion, vulnerability and connection. That means technology must feel intuitive and empathetic, not transactional. Tech evolves daily, so staying adaptable and open to learning is essential in such a fast-moving landscape. Equally important is surrounding yourself with people who know what they’re doing and are willing to collaborate.
What is the first step a leader should take to build a gender-balanced leadership team?
Leaders must be intentional. Inclusive leadership brings stronger empathy, sharper decision-making and organisations that better reflect the communities they serve. There is no shortage of talented women with innovative ideas and capability, particularly in tech, but access, visibility, and sponsorship have often been the missing links. That means rethinking hiring pipelines, investing in mentorship and sponsorship and ensuring that leadership potential is identified early and supported consistently. As such, I’m also involved with the organisation Women in Dating because representation has to extend beyond one company.
AI is now omnipresent in the tech space. How can it be used to foster human connections?
As AI becomes more embedded in everyday life, platforms have a responsibility to protect real-world interaction and ensure technology enhances, rather than obstructs, genuine human encounters. The purpose of some of our new features is to reduce friction by suggesting ideas and helping people translate intent into real-world effort. At the same time, we have taken a clear global stance against the misuse of AI through our AI reporting feature.
How does a dating app adapt to nuances between India’s Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities and prioritise user experience?
In metros, people are often more comfortable expressing individuality, experimenting with formats and discovering what works for them. In Tier-2 cities, we see a stronger focus on intention, compatibility and clarity around long-term expectations. That’s where our features allow singles to signal what they’re looking for upfront, helping set expectations and reduce ambiguity. When societal or family expectations feel overwhelming, technology can give people a sense of control and privacy. Additionally, women join and stay on platforms where they feel safe, respected, and in control of their experience. That means investing consistently in strong moderation and clear reporting systems.
How did you navigate career conversations back when you were searching for a partner?
I’ve been married for many years now, and my life partner and I encourage and support each other in every aspect of our professional lives. For me, ambition and love have never been incompatible, they strengthen one another. When you’re open about your goals and find someone who genuinely respects and supports them, it creates a partnership built on mutual growth rather than compromise.
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