Can Online Dating Ever Lead to Real Love?

“Joachim Andersson and Nikki van der Hoebooken!”

Nikki and Joachim went on stage.

Nikki had previously noted that the presentation alone was like an art project.

On stage stood a nerd and most often with beauty.

This was a universe that was rarely crossed.

That alone was worth an experiment.

How would these collaborations end, and would it open the way for new friendships?

In her quiet mind she thought that she should return to school at some point and follow it up as her own study.

She looked out over all the students.

“We have chosen to call our project Mystery online dating,” said Joachim and Nikki took the plunge.

She was worried about the reactions.

She was not liked by everyone and was most disliked by the girls.

This was not good for her image.

Many would probably see her as a mattress, but in 10 weeks she would graduate and never have to see any of them again.

This is what she said:

“I will meet 10 different men on 10 occasions that Joachim’s AI will select for me.”

There was silence.

She tried to perceive the room, but it said nothing.

“And what is your hypothesis?” one of the students asked.

Nikki took a deep breath.

“Can I find love when I leave the decision of who to date to artificial intelligence?”

“Is it really a challenge?”

“There’s a catch.

All 10 men will have unique interests that I’ll have to expose myself to on the first date.”

“Why on earth then?” one of the younger girls blurted out.

“To get out of old norms.

To…

To build something new.”

“She’s just been dumped,” she heard someone whisper, but she ignored it.

“Interesting,” said their examiner, who had called them to the stage.

“I wish you good luck and remember.

Your safety comes before your project.

Because to my ears, this sounds a bit adventurous.”

“That’s exactly the idea,” Nikki replied.

Somewhere behind the screens, people were still hoping to be understood.