How AI and advanced tech may shape human sexuality

The evolving landscape of sex tech: Artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are reshaping human sexuality, offering new experiences while raising important questions about their long-term impacts on intimate relationships and sexual development.

• Sex tech innovations like chatbots, sex doll brothels, and VR porn are already available, representing the early stages of a technological revolution in human sexuality.
• These advancements are likely to have profound effects on sexual desires, behaviors, and expectations, particularly for younger generations exposed to them during formative years.

Adolescent vulnerability and neuroplasticity: The adolescent brain’s unique neuroplasticity makes young people particularly susceptible to the influences of sex tech, potentially shaping their sexual preferences and expectations for years to come.

• The average age of first exposure to pornography is 13, coinciding with a critical period of brain development related to decision-making, impulse control, and reward processing.
• With limited real-world sexual experience and often inadequate sex education, many adolescents rely on pornography as a primary source of sexual information and guidance.

The impact of pornography on sexual behavior: Research suggests that exposure to pornography may be influencing sexual practices, particularly among young adults, in ways that prioritize primal sexuality over intimacy and tenderness.

• Studies have noted a significant increase in choking during heterosexual encounters on college campuses, despite this practice not being associated with increased sexual pleasure or orgasm for women.
• There are concerns that the prevalence of such practices in pornography may lead young people to view them as normative or expected sexual behaviors.

Balancing primal and tender sexuality: The emphasis on primal sexual experiences in pornography and some forms of sex tech may limit people’s understanding and experience of intimate, tender sexuality crucial for long-term relationships.

• There is a risk that young people may come to view pornographic depictions of sex as the full extent of sexual experience, potentially leading to unrealistic expectations or disillusionment.
• The potential loss of human intimacy through lovemaking raises concerns about the future of romantic relationships and the mental and physical health benefits associated with intimate connections.

The double-edged sword of advancing sex tech: While technological innovations in sexuality offer new possibilities for exploration and satisfaction, they also present challenges that need to be addressed.

• VR porn and other immersive technologies are becoming increasingly potent, offering unprecedented levels of realism and engagement.
• The rapid advancement of sex tech outpaces many people’s awareness and willingness to discuss its implications, particularly in the context of parenting and education.

The need for open dialogue and mindful development: A more proactive and open approach to discussing and shaping the future of sex tech is crucial to ensure its positive integration into human sexuality.

• Many avoid discussing sex tech advancements due to discomfort, fear of appearing sex-negative, or simple lack of awareness.
• A mindful approach to developing and using sex tech could help ensure it enhances rather than detracts from human intimacy.

Broader implications and future considerations: As sex tech continues to advance, society must grapple with its potential long-term effects on human relationships, sexual development, and mental health.

• The complexity of human sexuality means that the influence of sex tech will likely be multifaceted and not easily predicted.
• Particular attention should be paid to vulnerable populations, such as adolescents and individuals with mental health concerns, who may be more susceptible to negative impacts.
• Striking a balance between embracing the potential benefits of sex tech and mitigating its risks will be a crucial challenge for researchers, educators, and policymakers in the coming years.