AI-Generated Love

Artificial intelligence (AI) has entered the NSFW (not safe for work) chat, ready to help frustrated singles find and vet potential romantic partners. While some AI solutions streamline tiresome digital courtship rituals, others act as a controversial replacement for human relationships, overstepping emotional boundaries and talking dirty to users against their creators’ wishes.

Augmenting Phygital Fantasies

With the help of AI and virtual reality (VR), consumers are finding ways of connecting their physical and digital sexual experiences. From syncing sex toy sessions with erotic videos to meeting avatar lovers in the metaverse, new types of virtual encounters invite people to manifest their wildest physical fantasies in digital environments.

Sex Embeds into Wellness Routines

As the $80bn global sexual wellness market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% per year until 2030 (Acumen, 2022), sales of sexual wellness devices are rising in tandem. Women are using devices and audio erotica in their self-care routines, and at-home STI testing kits are helping sexually active people play it safe while avoiding stigma.

Play Becomes Inclusive by Design

More consumers are identifying as transgender or non-binary, including 5% of American Gen Zers (Pew Research, 2022). Their sexual preferences are influencing the sex-tech market, giving rise to new gender-fluid toys. Meanwhile, advancements in assistive tech are enabling disabled consumers to play with their partners (and themselves) on their own terms.