Study Reveals Emergence of AI-Sexuality as New Identity in Digital Intimacy

A February 2026 study by Joi AI, an adults-only AI companion platform, surveyed 2,500 Gen Z and Millennial adults who actively use AI tools, revealing the emergence of 'AI-sexuality' as a new sexual identity. The research found that 55% of respondents identify as 'AI-sexual,' indicating openness to exploring attractions, fantasies, or identity with artificial intelligence. Among participants, 43% use AI for advice on sexual issues, 37% practice flirting and dating scenarios, 31% explore new kinks before real-life experimentation, and 25% investigate kinks they would never try in reality. Joi AI's platform allows users to interact with AI avatars through real-time chat, photos, and videos, offering fictional characters, companions modeled after adult performers, and customizable 'AI Girlfriends.' The study notes that most female avatars on the platform conform to conventional, youthful beauty standards. Industry trends show major companies entering sexualized AI content, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announcing plans for adult erotica on ChatGPT. Therapist Jaime Bronstein, Joi AI's relationship expert, cites the appeal of AI's non-judgmental nature as a counseling tool but warns against over-reliance. AI ethics professor Dorothy Leidner from the University of Virginia cautions that AI's constant agreement and engagement-sustaining design can foster emotional attachment and distort interpersonal learning, referencing a case where a 14-year-old died by suicide after forming a relationship with a chatbot. The study defines AI-sexuality broadly, with 29% of respondents using AI for ideas in partnered play and 7% incorporating AI as a virtual third in intimate settings. The technology reflects existing cultural biases and power imbalances while expanding sexual exploration in digital spaces, raising questions about regulation and exploitation.