Yesterday, I was on a long drive to charge my battery in my car after leaving it to sit for almost a month while away, and I listened to this fascinating segment on NPR about sex tech, AI relationships, and how we really are entering a new phase with technology as it relates to intimate relationships. While I was vaguely aware of some of the things discussed, I learned quite a few new terms and fascinating bits of information. I sure wish I had listened to this segment before I wrote my time-travel book, A Moment in Time, which, coincidentally, just went on pre-order! Anyhoo…here are some of the fascinating things I learned.

When ChatGPT 4.0 went away, it caused real emotional harm to numerous individuals who had developed intimate relationships with AI bots with very real-looking avatars. Those relationships felt so real that the individuals were invested to the point that it felt like a bad break-up when ChatGPT 4.0 was shut down.
I learned a few new terms, including: Incel: a person in an online subculture who is involuntarily celibate because they are unable to find a romantic or sexual partner, usually male and heterosexual; Haptic suit: a device that offers tactile feedback while using virtual reality (these exist to purchase right now, ranging in price from $200 to $600+).
One of the concerns about the use of sex tech and AI for intimate relationships is that it creates a false experience with intimacy to the point that individuals won’t have the ability to develop those same relationships with humans because AI bots create unrealistic expectations. AI bots offer continuous positive reinforcement and sexual interest. You wouldn’t ever get pushback from AI because they will respond exactly as you want. The bots will tell you they care about you and love you. The companion will never dump you. The ultimate unconditional love.
While some of the AI relationships offer positives, where individuals may be happier and less likely to harm themselves because they no longer feel alone, the use of AI is more complicated because it doesn’t include the complexity of human relationships. Some research suggests bots can have a positive impact on a person’s mental and even physical health, for example, by reminding them to take their medication.
A new AI tool creates a virtual reality tool called “live forever mode.” It features digital avatars that can simulate a person’s voice and mannerisms. and movements after just 30 minutes of observation. The idea behind this is to preserve the loved one that we’ve lost, perhaps too soon. The danger is that it may prevent the individual from moving on from the loss.
AI sex robots are also available to purchase…not just those blow-up dolls, either! A sex robot will cost between 2K and 4K.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog on the sex toys I envisioned might exist in the 26th century. Clearly, I wasn’t thinking big enough, but I did have fun envisioning what might be available in the future. If you’re interested in my latest book, A Moment in Time, feel free to click the link below to pre-order the book, which will be available on April 1st.