That story makes me think of arranged marriage. Not a fan, but it did have it's advantages, at least as long as the parents aren't psycho or marry you off for political or monetary advantage or lands. More experience and more of an eye for the materialistic part of marriage and raising a family. Again not promoting this, there will be untold horror stories of ruined lives there, but I also think part of our modern mindset about romance is probably pathological on opposite ways.

In the past you were just expected to love your arranged partner - before the idea of "falling in love" became ubiquitous. Love was seen as a more active thing like a craftsmanship that you have to practice every day to get good at it. The feelings then just "grow" over time (see e.g. this book)

In any case any government interference should be based on well meaning and science based knowledge. Right now the government allows those who own the dating apps influence this essential part of human nature. That is not "non interference", by not acting to protect people from predatory corporations the government causes harm. Obviously there should be socialist government policy for child rearing (healthcare, maternity leave, financial support, free high quality kindergarden and schools). A lot of stress in relationships can no doubt be traced back to financial stress or "materialist" problems.

I think it's more that the entire business model of dating apps means they profit from people staying single and looking, not finding long term relationships.

I think they think an app that isn't being run by a corporation for profit would help them get laid. In theory the government could run and app for this purpose but I don't think it would work well in practice at least not in the US.

the govt is more likely to have aligned incentives with you when it comes to finding a partner. imo this feels vaguely distopian (not that dating apps don't)

Public ≠ the government.

Hahaha!

You could have private ones but non-profit. Not sure the size of the minimum network effect though. Probably lower than for social media. Maybe we should add education courses on relationships too. And free therapy. It's guberment all the way down!