AI Chat Assistant 'YUMI' Supports the 'First Word': Yoitoki Enhances Post-Match Conversation Support

OLA PARTY JAPAN, operator of the next-generation AI matching platform 'Yoitoki,' has upgraded its AI chat assistant 'YUMI,' which supports post-match conversations.

For dating apps, the match itself is not the ultimate goal. In reality, many relationships fail to progress due to reasons such as 'not knowing what to send first,' 'unable to sustain conversation,' or 'worrying about how the other party will perceive them.'

A survey by Bachelor Date Co., Ltd. reports that approximately 90% of dating app users have felt 'dating app fatigue,' with messaging cited as a significant burden for both men and women. Furthermore, it is estimated that the average user wastes about 18 hours per month on messaging.

Additionally, reports regarding Hinge indicate that messages sent within 24 hours of matching are more likely to receive a response, emphasizing how early communication impacts relationship building.

■ Internal Survey: About 70% of post-match users have struggled with the 'first message'

In an internal survey conducted by Yoitoki targeting 200 dating app users in their 20s to 40s (n=200), 69.5% answered that they have struggled with not knowing what to send after matching.

Additionally, 61.0% reported having experienced conversations dying out, while 55.5% stated they would like a feature where AI proposes topics or sentence ideas tailored to the other person's profile.

These results demonstrate that users are seeking support not just to increase matching numbers, but to initiate and sustain natural conversations after matching.

■ YUMI is not an 'AI that talks for you,' but an 'AI that creates conversation starters'

Yoitoki's AI chat assistant 'YUMI' does not unilaterally carry on conversations on behalf of the user. It is a support feature that suggests natural topics or directions for replies based on the other person's profile, commonalities, values, and flow of conversation.

For example, it suggests questions based on hobbies or weekend activities, greeting messages that are not too heavy for a first meeting, or topic changes when a conversation is stalling. Users can adjust YUMI’s suggestions into their own words before sending.

Yoitoki’s documentation also introduces features where an AI moderator supports conversation after matching, easing the tension and awkwardness specific to first encounters.

■ Reducing communication burden and increasing time to focus on the partner

What matters in post-match conversation is conveying interest, not writing clever prose. However, continuing to interact with multiple partners in a busy daily life can be psychologically and time-consuming.

YUMI aims to create natural conversation entry points tailored to the other person, rather than mass-producing templates. This allows users to spend less time worrying about 'what to send' and focus on essential communication to get to know their potential partner.

■ Future Outlook

Yoitoki intends to utilize AI not just for efficiency in meeting people, but as a supportive technology for people to build relationships with peace of mind. The company plans to evolve the entire post-match experience, including initial interactions, scheduling, and value sharing, to be more natural and secure.