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Love in the Age of AI: real romance or really good code?


Johannesburg, 09 Jul 2025

AI isn’t just transforming how we work, shop, or create — it’s redefining how we fall in love. As wedding season peaks and romance blooms right on schedule, it’s worth asking: Is love still real, or is it just really good code? 

From dating apps to AI-generated partners, artificial intelligence has swiped right into our most intimate relationships. But as AI powers both connection and deception, not all sparks are created equal.

When AI plays cupid — and con artist

Remember when dating apps were mostly about late-night “hey” texts and awkward first dates? Today, they’re powered by machine learning and behavioural profiling. AI is the matchmaker now — but it’s also the mimic.

According to the latest Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report – Online Dating (NCSIR), 48% of people have used a dating app — and a growing number are being duped by sophisticated scams.

“We’re seeing a sharp rise in romance scams,” says Leyla Bilge, Global Head of Scam Research. “One in four daters have been targeted, and AI is fuelling a new wave of emotional manipulation.”

With deepfake avatars, AI-generated flattery, and bots that sound heartbreakingly human, deception has gone digital. Ironically, 56% of users say they’d use AI to write their pick-up lines — efficient, yes, but authentic?

That’s the big question.

Falling for AI (Literally)

Welcome to the age of custom-built digital lovers.

“There are websites that let you build your ideal partner — from quirks and humour to romantic preferences,” says Michal Salát, Director of Threat Intelligence. “And people are genuinely falling in love with these AI personas.”

But what happens when your "perfect" partner is a product of algorithms?

“When people turn to AI for companionship, it can feel emotionally safe,” Leyla warns. “But ultimately, it leads to isolation. The emotional investment is real — the relationship isn’t.”

The quiet erosion of human bonds

AI’s impact goes beyond romance — it’s reshaping how families and friends connect.

“Technology is replacing storytelling and shared moments,” Michal explains. “Where parents once read bedtime stories, now AI voice assistants step in. Homework help is outsourced to AI tutors.”

There’s nothing inherently wrong with using tech for convenience — but it comes at a cost.

“We risk losing our human connection,” says Leyla. “Sharing life stories builds heritage. When that’s replaced by a machine, the emotional thread unravels.”

Fake faces, real consequences

The most alarming trend? Deception at scale.

“From dating profiles to OnlyFans content, we’re now seeing personas that are entirely AI-generated,” Michal reveals. “Fake faces, fake videos, fake conversations — all automated.”

The NCSIR found that 29% of dating app users admit to altering their photos, but we’ve moved far beyond filters. Deepfakes, voice clones, and photo-realistic avatars are making it harder than ever to tell what’s real.

“We’re fast approaching a point where many people can’t distinguish between real and fake,” says Michal. “That’s a dangerous place — especially for vulnerable users.”

Staying grounded in a digital love story

So what do you do when your crush might be a codebase and your DMs might come from a bot?

Start with awareness. Tools like Norton Genie, an AI-powered scam detector, can help users spot fakes and frauds in real-time.

But staying safe goes beyond apps — it’s about making authenticity a priority.

“You don’t have to abandon technology to protect your relationships,” say Leyla and Michal. “But you must understand how it’s shaping them.”

Because in an age where AI can simulate love, staying grounded in genuine connection has never been more important.

Cyber security in the AI Age: How Avast and Avert ITD Keep You Safe

While AI redefines how we connect, it’s also redefining how we protect ourselves. That’s where Avast, a global leader in digital security, steps in.

Avast offers award-winning cyber security tools that protect hundreds of millions of users around the world. From AI-enhanced anti-virus software to real-time threat detection, Avast ensures your personal and emotional data remains safe — whether you’re online for love, work, or anything in between.

Top Avast products include:

  • Avast Premium Security – Advanced protection for PC, Mac, and mobile.
  • Avast SecureLine VPN – Keeps your browsing anonymous and secure.
  • Avast AntiTrack – Protects your privacy and prevents tracking.
  • Avast BreachGuard – Monitors your personal data and alerts you to leaks.
  • Avast One – A powerful all-in-one solution for privacy, performance, and security.

These tools are powered by cutting-edge AI to detect phishing, impersonation, and scams — the very risks that dominate the modern dating landscape.

Avert ITD: Africa’s trusted cyber security distributor

In Africa, Avert IT Distribution (Avert ITD) is the primary distributor for Avast and AVG — delivering world-class digital protection to homes, businesses, and public sectors across the continent.

Founded in 2004, Avert ITD is a proudly African company that’s helped position Africa as a rising global tech powerhouse. With rapid urbanization and increasing digital adoption, countries like South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana are leading the charge in tech innovation — and cybersecurity is more critical than ever.

“Partnering with Avert ITD means investing in success and growth,” says the Avert team. “We’re not just a distributor — we’re your cybersecurity partner.”

Why Choose Avert ITD?

  • Exclusive regional distributor for Avast and AVG
  • Serving partners across Southern, East, West and Central Africa
  • Committed to integrity, accountability, and innovation
  • Offering WhatsApp and live-chat support for instant customer service
  • Providing tailored solutions for resellers, MSPs, and enterprise clients

Whether you're protecting individual users or scaling secure environments across sectors, Avert ITD ensures that Avast and AVG’s powerful cybersecurity solutions are always within reach.

Protect your heart — and your digital life

In a world where AI can steal your heart or your data, cyber security is no longer optional. With tools like Avast Premium Security and trusted partners like Avert ITD you can stay safe, private, and authentic — in love and online.

Ready to become a reseller? 

  • Visit Avert ITD, reach out via WhatsApp, or contact sales at:
  • Johannesburg: +27(0)10-007-4430 
  • Cape Town: +27(0)21-007-2655
  • sales@avertitd.com

Follow Avert ITD on LinkedIn for the latest in cybersecurity trends and product updates.


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