Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble, has recently stirred up controversy by claiming that AI could revolutionize dating. 

Some Indians replied to her saying “We have had AAI (Mother) doing it for years!” In Marathi language, AAI means mother. This is a reference to the archetypal Indian matchmaker–mothers who are always there and always loving. 

In societies like India where arranged marriages have been entrenched since time immemorial, mothers become matchmakers. These matronly matchmakers rely on intuition, social networks, and an unwavering desire to ensure happiness for their children as they spin love stories that last forever. 

Bumble’s AI claims to be able to change dating using data-driven approach but Indians have pointed towards the more personalized approach mothers have taken over algorithms for centuries . As algorithms look at finger swipes on screens, AAI knows what makes her child tick; their likes/wants.. She ensures all things align with a perfect partner. 

The contrast between the tech-savvy AI of Bumble and the ancient AAI tradition in India emphasizes the cultural diversity of match-making. Bumble, on one hand, is about efficiency and independence, whereas AAI combines traditions, intuitions and love from mothers. In a world where romantic feelings are reduced to algorithms and swipes, AAI becomes a reminder that some things are just better off under the caring hands of a mother. 

Here are some humourous responses of netizens on this new spark controversy of intervention of AI in dating – 

Regardless of whether it is AI or AAI, love will always be sought after by people. Moreover, while Bumble may think of itself as using state-of-the-art technology, Indians believe that there can be no replacement for a loving mother and her intuition when matters concerning love are being discussed.