Imagine, if you will, a world where your most private internet searches—those anxiety-ridden deep dives on WebMD, the Google queries pondering whether your cat is plotting against you, or even the mysterious question of why certain bodily functions emit distinct odors—could be the keys to discovering your soulmate. Would you be willing to sign up for a dating site that promised to connect you with the love of your life based on your browsing history?

For over a decade, developers have been tirelessly working to perfect the art and science of compatibility in online dating. Platforms like Tinder have promised endless swipes, while Bumble has encouraged women to take the first initiative in their search for love. Feeld has become a champion for polyamorous relationships, and Grindr initially established itself as a utopia for gay individuals—although it has recently been criticized for becoming cluttered with advertisements. Lex, on the other hand, operates entirely through text, and Pure focuses on facilitating anonymous hookups. With the advent of artificial intelligence now transforming the realm of online dating, a new platform is emerging that offers a solution no one anticipated: matching singles based on their web browser histories.

This concept may seem counterintuitive in an age where dating profiles and social media presence are meticulously curated to project the best version of oneself. However, according to Dries Depoorter, the visionary artist and developer behind the Browser Dating platform, this unorthodox approach is precisely the intention. Based in Ghent, Belgium, Depoorter has a reputation for creating digital projects that blend reality with an element of mischief. He maintains that his dating site is entirely legitimate.

“There’s honesty in that,” Depoorter states, emphasizing how the rawness of the concept could forge authentic connections.

Despite the inherent flaws that can plague online dating services, they remain one of the most effective avenues for individuals to meet potential partners, especially for younger generations. According to Pew Research, 42 percent of adults in the United States assert that online dating has made it easier to find a romantic partner.

However, the landscape of online dating has evolved into a space that often prioritizes the illusion of compatibility over the genuine essence of who someone truly is. The allure of discovery—the belief that our hidden quirks and private curiosities can paint a more accurate picture of an individual—captivated Depoorter. He believes that Browser Dating can serve as a sincere alternative for those seeking real love.

In contrast to platforms like Hinge or Raya, where users meticulously curate their profiles with impeccably angled photos and handpicked facts designed to showcase their best attributes, Browser Dating reveals an unfiltered version of you. “Instead of selectively choosing the best images or most captivating aspects of your personality, this platform exposes a side of you that you would never willingly present. Users cannot cherry-pick their search history; they must upload all of it,” Depoorter explains.

At this initial stage, however, Browser Dating boasts a modest user base, with fewer than 1,000 individuals having registered since its launch just last week. To get started, users must download a Chrome or Firefox extension, which allows them to export their recent browsing history and subsequently upload it to the site. Profiles consist of the standard personal information, including age, location, gender, and sexual preference. Additionally, each user receives a “browsing personality profile” that provides insights into their online behavior.

Matches are not confined by geographical boundaries; however, Depoorter has included an option for users to limit their search by state or country if they choose. Once a match is established, users do not gain access to each other’s search histories. Instead, they receive a collection of “fun facts” that highlight shared interests—perhaps revealing a quirky obsession with the historical “dancing plague” or identifying the times of day when both parties are most active online. This feature aims to emphasize the nuanced harmonies of users’ online behaviors and spark meaningful conversations.