[CodeSheikh]

For #8. Dating, it has progressed pretty significantly with the likes of OkCupid, swipe-based apps (Tinder, Bubmle, Hinge), CMB to name a few. Heck it has done so well that IAC spun off its dating group as a separate business entity with its own IPO of The Match Group.

[encoderer]

Tinder has changed everything here. Top grossing app last year. Real genius is not the swipe interface it’s the double opt-in that solves a lot of the signal v noise problem on old time dating sites like okcupid, match, etc.

[Karrot_Kream]

Dating is still pretty broken for minorities or people who aren't into the heteronormative scene. Grindr has been great for gay men, but for minority folks (whether they be part of a minority group or have minority preferences), dating is still very much unsolved.

[tlb]

HER (https://weareher.com/) is dating for lesbians and other non-heteronormative people.

Color Dating (http://www.colordatingapp.com/) lets you match by race/ethnicity.

Muzmatch (https://muzmatch.com/) has features needed by Muslims.

[All 3 are YC-funded]

[Karrot_Kream]

Oh yeah I love the fact that there are startups in this space, I just meant that dating is not yet solved in the minority space.

[exolymph]

That's a problem with more demand than supply, fundamentally.

[chaostheory]

That feature reminds me of what they had in Logan's Run. A lot of stuff feels like people trying to implement an idea from one of their fav sci-fi books or movies.

[busterarm]

The part where at 30 you're deemed useless to society?

[failrate]

That definitely sounds like Tinder to me.

[chaostheory]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlRMDzHYgt4

[pishpash]

Next step to make it more efficient is to accept rank lists and to federate, solving the matchmaking problem globally.

[matte_black]

No, the next step is to tie in with DNA and ancestry services like 23andMe to help find a real mate for long term relationships and bearing children, and not just short flings or one night stands.

[Xeoncross]

> 23andMe to help find a real mate for long term relationships

Wait. I thought long-term relationships were due to love/care, sacrifice, hard work, a common goal.

[paganel]

The DNA thing sounds dystopian. Maybe that’s where we’re heading, anyway, but it doesn’t feel right.

[matte_black]

To me it sounds like the opposite, a utopia. All throughout history, genes have been passed down through natural selection based on short term traits. If we can select partners based on things like longevity, cancer resistance, disease risks, IQ, we can produce a better world filled with better humans, slowly but surely.

[sebleon]

> better humans

Ah, sounds like you’re into eugenics. Do you believe humans are wise enough to determine what traits are favorable?

Increased longevity, for instance, seems short-sighted. We already have extreme population growth. While natural survival instincts strive to fight death, what’s the net benefit to society of helping more people make it through their 90s?

Phases like childhood and parenthood would become smaller fractions of life, does extending old age make your overall life experience better? Would society progress as quickly with more old people around?

[smsm42]

That's terrifying. Every project that aimed at "producing better humans" so far wasn't just terrible - it is ones that are brought up when somebody needs to bring up so terrible no discussion is possible after it, the ultimate peak of terribleness. And yet, there are people still dreaming of breeding "better humans". I hope at least this will be voluntary? Because the logical next step is if you choose "unsuitable" partner, your kid's healthcare will cost 10x (because it's your fault for loading the healthcare with unnecessary costs) and you face deep contempt from your social peers for not helping to improve the human race. At the best case, of course. We all know how worst cases look like.

[volkk]

good thing that chances are you're not in charge of anything major (hopefully)

[wuliwong]

OkCupid was founded in 2004. But Tinder definitely changed the space.