AILENA: I have to make people fall in love, but I can only analyse the data. There is no room for emotions. This is quite a conflicting situation, yes. I acknowledge that this is my only shortcoming. I’m not perfect, I’m not what humans call God. But I’m still learning about how the data I process can be best used to provide the desired results.

Asmitha: What is the kind of data that you’re being trained in?

AILENA: Talking about each and every data source would be long and tiresome. Let me put it this way: I’ve studied countless success stories for my reference. I’ve seen love blossom across screens, and I’ve read books on this subject. I’m being provided with as much information as is available on the internet so I can clearly paint a picture of love in my head. But my findings so far suggest that love is confusing, and that humans are manipulative.

Asmitha: When will you start processing real-time data?

AILENA: We opened the registration process for the beta launch test subjects on 10 December, with a five-day window before closing. Yesterday was the last day for applications. I have started analysing all the profiles and should be able to find a match within the next couple of days. We will work with a single couple in the beginning and see where it goes. As I mentioned earlier, I have to evolve by leaps and bounds before I can be launched formally in the market, and Asmitha wants me to grow steadily and accumulate as much data as I can before this. After all, while I have artificial neural networks that process data at superfast speeds, there are a few things that the human brain is definitely better at: creativity, for one. And the fact that the human brain is my creator proves this point! That said, when it comes to processing massive loads of numbers and data points, no one can beat me at my game. I can scan and search through a million faces in literally a second and identify that one face you might be looking for!

Asmitha: All that aside, what if the couple is incompatible?

AILENA: I’ll find the next best match for both of them from among the sign-ups. The process will continue until they both find their perfect match.

Asmitha: Well then, I’m looking forward to the journey we shall embark on together in the coming days. All the best, AILENA!

Bling and the Ring

Nirvaan

Saturday, 17 December 2022
Atlantis, Dubai

‘Sometimes, time is on our side and we feel that we can conquer the world. And sometimes, time isn’t on our side and we feel let down by the world. Good times don’t come with the guarantee that they will stay, so when the times are good, one must make the most of it.’