A new experimental dating site is redefining how online connections are made – by matching users based on their browser histories. Developed by Belgian artist and technologist Dries Depoorter, Browser Dating invites users to upload up to 5,000 of their most recent searches to create a so-called “browsing personality profile”, which an AI system then uses to suggest compatible matches.
Unlike traditional dating apps that rely on curated photos or brief bios, this platform offers what Depoorter describes as a more honest glimpse into who a person really is. “Instead of choosing the best pictures or best things about yourself, this will show a side of you that you’d never pick,” he said. Profiles include basic demographic details along with a generated summary highlighting quirky digital habits, such as favorite Wikipedia rabbit holes or online activity patterns.
The project blends art and technology, echoing Depoorter’s past works that interrogate surveillance, digital transparency, and the role of personal data. While early feedback has been mixed – praising the concept’s creativity but raising concerns about privacy – the developer says browser data is processed locally and not shared with third parties. Still, uploading personal search history remains a major leap for many, especially given that this could include anything from adult searchers to ones conccerning their location, medical history, or other personal details
Since its soft launch last week, fewer than 1,000 users have signed up. Depoorter says he plans to continue improving the platform with new features, including photo uploads, a messaging app, and even location-based date suggestions. Whether users are seeking love or simply intrigued by the concept, Browser Dating is a novel take on the conventional dating approach, and is very open about the data that its algorithm is taking into account when matching users.
