UPDATE Sept 2024 – dozens of these types of apps are now available in the Apple App Store and the Google Store. Although most require you to be over the age of 18yrs to download – however, there is no age verification to confirm this age gate. What the heck Apple and Google!
In today’s ever-evolving onlife world, technology, especially artificial intelligence continues to reshape how we experience life. One of the latest developments that parents and caregivers should be aware of is the rise of AI-powered apps that offer sexualized companionship. (1)(2)While these apps are designed for adults, we have heard from “some” teens how they are also accessing and downloading them, leading to new concerns for parents, caregiver, and educators to be aware of.
AI apps that provide sexualized companionship for adults are gaining popularity and becoming big business, allowing users to create AI-generated “companions” that engage in highly explicit and sexualized conversations. This trend, which began with simple chatbots, has grown more complex, with platforms like Discord, which is very popular with teens, seeing the emergence of X-rated communities centered around these sexualized AI app interactions. Apps like Pygmalion AI (3) let users create sexualized AI companions that cater to their interests and engage in intimate exchanges, even sending revealing intimate images.
For fans of science fiction, this might sound like something from “Star Trek,” where users can create and interact with idealized digital partners on a holodeck. However, this raises important questions about the impact of these adult-based sexualize AI companion apps may have on teens, who are also downloading them, and their real-world relationships. As an example, for socially isolated youth these sexualized AI companions can be particularly appealing, offering a space for sexual and romantic exploration without the challenges of real-world relationships. But could this come with significant risks? – we believe that the answer to this question is YES!
AI sexualized companion apps are always available, never argue, and are designed to be perfectly attuned to their users’ desires. This can lead to distorted expectations of what real-life relationships should be like. (4) When someone becomes accustomed to an AI partner that always puts them first, how will they handle the complexities of a real human relationship, where disagreement, compromise, empathy, and mutual respect are essential?
We started talking about these types of apps with students last year because teens were asking us about them. We now speak to these types of apps in our high school digital literacy and internet safety presentations, dedicating a segment to AI-based applications where we share the following:
- AI doesn’t really care about you even though it may be communicating with you like it does.
- AI functions like a mirror – reflecting emotions but not possessing them.
- Sexualized AI Companion Apps give you what it thinks you want, not what’s necessarily good for you.
One of the most troubling aspects of these sexualized companionship apps – the issue of consent. (5) Sexualized AI companion apps can be programmed to never say no, raising concerns about the normalization of unhealthy power dynamics in relationships. If young people grow up interacting with AI sex partners who always comply with their wishes, how might this shape their understanding of consent in real human relationships?
Privacy is another critical concern. Research has shown that many of these sexualized AI companion apps collect vast amounts of user data and sell it to third parties. (6) Given the intimate nature of the interactions users may have with these sexualized AI companionship apps, this is particularly worrying. Parents need to be aware of the privacy risks and educate their children about the importance of protecting their personal information.
Studies suggest that humans can form genuine emotional bonds with AI, even when they know it’s just an AI-based algorithm. (7)(8) While some people may find psychological benefits in these interactions, the long-term consequences are still unclear. Could these sexualized AI relationship apps impact how users interact with real people? Could they lead to emotional dependency on a sexualized AI partner? These are questions we still need to answer.
The rise of sexualized AI companion apps highlights the need for careful consideration and regulation – something that is sadly lacking in today’s wild, wild west of artificial intelligence. Parents and caregivers should stay informed about these technologies and their potential impact on their children – thus the reason we have written this article. Educating young people about the risks and ethical implications of sexualized AI companionship apps is crucial in helping our kiddos in navigating this complex onlife world.
While AI sexualized companionship apps may offer innovative solutions for addressing loneliness and providing companionship for adults, they also raise significant concerns that cannot be ignored. As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to have open conversations with your children about the potential risks of these sexualize AI companionship apps and help them develop a healthy understanding of non-algorithmic real-world relationships offline.
These conversations are critical in ensuring that your children understand the difference between digital interactions with an AI-generated algorithm and real-life relationships. Sexualized AI companions, by their very nature, can create unrealistic expectations and may blur the lines between fantasy and reality for impressionable young minds. It’s important to emphasize that while AI can simulate certain aspects of relationships, it cannot replace the depth and complexity of human connections.
Additionally, parents and caregivers should be proactive in monitoring the apps and platforms their children are using. This doesn’t mean invading their privacy, but rather having ongoing dialogues about what’s appropriate and why certain apps may not be suitable for their age. Setting clear boundaries and guidelines around technology use, particularly concerning sexualized AI companion apps, is crucial.
It’s also worth considering the broader societal implications of these sexualized AI companionship apps. As these technologies become more advanced and integrated into everyday life, there’s a risk that they could contribute to a shift in how people perceive relationships and intimacy. If young people grow up accustomed to sexualized AI companions that fulfill their every desire without requiring emotional investment or compromise, this could have lasting effects on their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships in the future.
Another area of concern that we predict – the potential for exploitation and abuse within these digital environments. As mentioned earlier, sexualized AI companions are programmed to please, but this dynamic could inadvertently encourage unhealthy behavior patterns, especially among teens still developing their understanding of consent, respect, and empathy. It’s essential to educate young people about these issues and to foster critical thinking skills that will help them navigate the challenges posed by AI technologies.
Here’s the reality – AI has become a transformative force in our increasingly onlife world, bringing both positive and negative impacts, and it is here to stay. As AI continues to evolve, so too must our approach to parenting in today’s onlife world. Keeping up with technological trends, understanding their potential impact on youth, and maintaining open lines of communication are all vital in helping children develop a balanced, informed, and healthy perspective on relationships, both digital and real.
While AI-powered sexualized companionship apps might seem like a futuristic novelty for adults, they bring with them a host of challenges that parents must address when it comes to their kiddos. By staying informed, setting clear boundaries, and engaging in honest conversations with your children, you can help them navigate these new digital landscapes in a safer and more responsible way. The goal is not to instill fear but to empower your children with the knowledge and age-appropriate tools they need to build onlife resiliency, make informed decisions, and to understand the value of healthy human relationships.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Feelings, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
References:
1/ https://topai.tools/s/sex-ai-chatbot
2/ https://whatsthebigdata.com/ai-sexting-app/
3/ https://pygmalion.chat/home
4/ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0706743719828977
5/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/informed-consent-a-guide-for-parents-and-teens/
7/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1071581921000197?via%3Dihub
