Artificial Intelligence and Sexual Compulsivity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers both risks and opportunities for people who struggle with compulsivity. This is particularly true of social AI—which is to say, AI chatbots that are designed to create lasting emotional bonds with their users. Social AI is designed to be engaging, and many social AI apps allow romantic and erotic interactions, often enhanced with voice, images, and videos. AI companions are always available and always willing to engage their users in the way the users want. People who are susceptible to sexual compulsivity may find this provides a source of constant temptation, and this may make their condition harder to control. However, we should not ignore the possible benefits of social AI as well. AI companions could provide a safe outlet for erotic expression, without some of the risks and complications of sex with humans. It could also provide a tool for therapists to monitor and treat clients with compulsive behaviours. We currently have little data on the impact of social AI. However, it is already being widely used. Therapists must try to understand it, and they must be prepared to discuss it with clients without stigma.