‘AI-sexual’ is the latest term doing the rounds online. But is it really an addition to sexual orientations?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is literally everywhere. Its presence now extends from boardrooms to bedrooms. So much so, people are invested in it way too much, now, both emotionally and sexually. So what does that make them?
‘AI-sexual’. A new survey report says that.
According to a survey by Joi AI, an AI chatbot platform that positions dating apps as its rival, 55 per cent of digitally savvy adults (Gen Z and Millennials) consider themselves “AI-sexual.” The term (according to Joi AI) refers to someone who is open to exploring sexual or intimate experiences with artificial intelligence, such as AI chatbots or virtual agents.
Involvement of AI in relationships is not new. You may have already come across a fair share of headlines mentioning how people are marrying their AI partners, and even filing for divorce because AI said so. Yeah, it gets as bizarre as it comes.
What might seem like a niche behaviour is quickly becoming part of how people explore intimacy today. Many are turning to AI chatbots as a low-pressure space to navigate their desires – whether it’s seeking advice on sexual concerns, practising flirting, or experimenting with fantasies.
Being ‘AI Sexual’
As many as 61 per cent of the survey respondents said that sexual exploration with AI actively improved their sex life. And 60 per cent admitted that AI helped them discover sexual interests.
According to the survey, here’s how ‘AI-sexual’ behaviours play out on chatbots:
- 43% use AI to get advice on sexual issues
- 37% practice flirting and dating scenarios
- 33% used it for sexting and solo play
- 31% explore new kinks before trying them in real life
- 25% explore kinks they would never try in real life
But is ‘AI Sexual’ a new identity/orientation?
While the Joi AI survey points to a “new era of sexual exploration” by introducing the term ‘AI-sexual’, experts are not entirely convinced.
According to Ruchi Ruuh, a Delhi-based relationship expert, it may be a little too far-fetched at this stage to describe bringing AI into relationships and intimacy as an orientation.
“I am averse to the idea that we need to pathologise everything or give a tag or a name to everything.” One may be inclined towards using AI in love matters, but it only does more harm than good if it gets too serious.
“When it becomes so strong that you can’t function without it, that’s when identity forms around it. It can be similar to fetishes, where you can’t function without a certain support. But right now, most people are not that dependent (on AI for acts of sexual exploration). They oscillate between AI and real relationships,” Ruuh adds.
Why so many turn to AI for sexual intimacy
AI isn’t just a tool any more; for many, it’s a sounding board. Which begs the question: why?
It’s not just about sexual gratification. AI offers safety, anonymity, and makes one feel heard. Add to that the toll of dating fatigue, rising loneliness and one too many bad experiences.
“I see a pattern: people with lower self-esteem, dealing with past trauma, those who feel disconnected, lonely, have isolating jobs, or who couldn’t develop social skills early – are the people more inclined towards AI,” the relationship expert breaks down.
If someone is confident, they will seek a real partner. But if they’re not, they might turn to AI and create something there.
A rabbit hole
Love is messy. And desire? Even messier. Unless, of course, you can customise both and hit reset whenever you like. And that is exactly the problem.
AI will mostly agree with you, validate your emotions, and hardly resist anything. That’s not how real relationships work. The more people indulge in it, the more they will expect the same behaviour from humans.
“In real relationships, you face resistance, you try to understand each other. And that resistance is good for human growth. We want people to challenge us, negotiate with us. Negotiation is a huge part of human relationships, and that goes missing when we are talking to AI,” Ruuh explains.
Concerns around AI deepfakes can’t be ignored either. The lack of robust safety guardrails remains a matter of concern, making it all the more important for users to stay aware and cautious while engaging with these tools.
How to draw a line? By being aware.
AI does not cross-question as a therapist would. And that makes all the difference. Understanding what and why you are being drawn to these binary codes to find answers for your love life can help. And the shift can only happen when people realise that it is interfering in their lives, but not in a good way.
Should you stay away from AI-for-sexual or relationship advice altogether?
Interestingly, Ruuh believes one may try it only to gain perspective.
“I think people can use it because it’s a technology that’s available. Go ahead and explore it. But it shouldn’t be your only go-to. It should not become an addiction. If you are paying more attention to your AI girlfriend than your real girlfriend, that’s a sign. If you use it occasionally and it makes you feel good, that’s fine. But recognise when it starts disconnecting you from the real world.”
If movies like Robot or Teri Baaton Mein Uljha Jiya have taught us anything, artificial intelligence is amazing until it turns into your worst nightmare too. So yes, explore if you must, but maybe don’t fall in love with the codes.
So, is ‘AI-sexual’ really an identity? Not quite, at least not yet. What the trend does signal, however, is a shift in how people are approaching intimacy, with AI becoming a tool for exploration rather than a replacement for human connection.
