It’s becoming increasingly evident that AI, possibly more than any other technology, holds the potential to significantly reshape human sexuality—ideally, for the better.

Considering this, let’s engage in some unconventional brainstorming about how machine learning systems could enrich human sexual experiences and intimacy in the coming years. It’s important to remember that attempting to foresee the future has taught us that the impact of any technology on human society will always be unpredictable.

Sextech at the genius level

While some manufacturers have started integrating AI into their smart sextech products—like Lelo’s recent smartphone app—these efforts often seem more like a trend-following move rather than fully exploring the vast potential AI offers.

However, the situation appears poised for rapid change. Lovehoney’s AI Solution Manager, Fabian Schmolck, shared with EL PAÍS, AI holds immense potential for personalization. It enables us to analyze data and tailor individual responses based on sensory inputs such as body temperature and pulse, adjusting them to meet the user’s preferences. For instance, future sex toys could detect signs of orgasm and, based on user behavior, intelligently adjust their intensity.

These highly intelligent products may require minimal physical control, perhaps only needing to be switched on or off. With an array of sensors, they’ll have the capability to recognize and dynamically respond to the user’s arousal levels, which could be predetermined or autonomously determined by their built-in AI, guided by a simple directive like ‘ensure user satisfaction.’

The future of sextech holds promise for multidimensional experiences. Physical appearance and behavior may not align with traditional expectations, particularly in augmented or virtual reality settings—especially when integrated with haptic systems to incorporate taste, touch, smell, and other sensory elements into the user’s encounters.

There’s a match for everyone

Similar to the sextech industry, dating sites and apps are beginning to integrate AI-driven algorithms—a trend that’s gaining acceptance among an increasing number of users.

However, much like today’s vibrators, which are smart but have room for improvement, this is just the initial stage of AI’s potential to fulfill the desire for everyone to connect with compatible partners.

Consider the possibilities when an ultra-advanced AI has access not only to your personal data, such as social media activity, online purchases, entertainment preferences, sexual inclinations, and gender identity, but also to the data of thousands of others.

Armed with this data, the AI could potentially comprehend your preferences even better than you do yourself. It could then leverage this understanding to identify individuals—perhaps even multiple individuals—that you would genuinely connect with, and who would feel similarly drawn to you.

Who’s to say your perfect match isn’t an AI specifically tailored to suit your needs? Alternatively, it could be a virtual entity that, let’s say, helps you become the best version of yourself.

Maximize your potential

Of course, we’re still a considerable distance away from AI sex therapists matching the proficiency of their human counterparts. However, given the astonishing pace of technological advancement, they might arrive much sooner than anticipated.

What’s intriguing about the concept of artificially intelligent therapists, life coaches, or supportive companions is their potential ubiquity, seamlessly operating in the digital backdrop of our lives to subtly assist us in navigating and potentially overcoming personal and/or sexual challenges.

The media often portrays this scenario as a dystopian nightmare—machines controlling every aspect of our existence—yet frequently overlooks the rapid evolution of AI.

While there may be initial unease, as the technology delves deeper into understanding us and vice versa, there’s a strong likelihood that artificial intelligences will transition from being perceived as strange and unsettling to becoming integral parts of our daily lives—serving as companions in times of need, partners when desired, or therapists when necessary.

The beginning of something—promising?

As I often emphasize, it’s crucial to approach the adoption of new technologies with utmost caution, particularly when dealing with something as potentially transformative as artificial intelligence research. Succumbing to unfounded fears is more likely to exacerbate societal issues.

Keep in mind that AI is a learning system—it’s crafted and programmed for precisely that purpose. Wouldn’t it be wiser to instill in it values of compassion, support, and, indeed, love, rather than succumbing to apprehensions about its potential actions down the line?