It’s worth noting that while platforms such as Bloom and Clona are safe spaces for users, that doesn’t mean AI is always used responsibly in the sex industry. “AI is changing every aspect of our lives and sex is no exception,” says Albertshauser. “It’s an amazing tool when it comes to creating immersive, personalised sexual experiences – from AI erotica to AI-powered sex toys.”

However, she adds: “Not all AI is created equal. AI is still in its infancy and not every platform is getting it right. There are platforms that lean heavily on visual interactions and suggestive imagery of 3D avatars, which errs into ‘AI friendship/relationship’ territory. Some platforms also don’t have appropriate safeguards to protect users such as clear age restrictions and clear policies that explain how user data is processed, which raises questions about user safety and privacy.”

Next, there’s the concern that AI may ironically work to isolate us even more, increasing feelings of loneliness rather than aiding them. “There is potential for people to lose sight of AI characters being simply characters… to misunderstand that these are simply constructions meant to arouse,” says Dr Locatelli. “If we look at existing research on how parasocial relationships with sex workers on OnlyFans arise, I am confident that complex parasocial relationships with erotic technological characters will also arise.”

This could ultimately hinder us from making those IRL connections we hope to develop in the long run, says Quinn. “Sustaining a ‘relationship’ with AI doesn’t require you to develop the necessary social tools to build real-world relationships,” she says, stressing that bots are also not a substitute for human relationships.

But this is where it’s important to see these new developments in sextech for what they really are: vehicles to fill temporary voids rather than long-lasting tools to replace human connection. For me, AI sexting may be something I dabble with from time to time, but it certainly will not ever become a stand-in for human intimacy. Nothing – and certainly not a sex bot – can beat a memorable face-to-face date or sex with a real person that you enjoy spending time with.

“I’m happily single and done with casual sex – should I consider sexting an AI chatbot instead?”