Some Asexuals Are Using AI Companions for Intimacy Without the Sex

"“Between us, we've come up with about two people we know of who use an AI companion. The vast majority of aces we know don't, as far as we know. There's no reason to think aces need to use AI more than any others.”"

"“Most asexual people actually desire some form of human companionship, whether that's through close, platonic friendships or in community. Some aces do have romantic relationships, whether with asexual people or otherwise, and some asexual people have sex, some don't, and some are aromantic. … Many aces have fulfilling relationships with other people, whether romantic or platonic or otherwise.”"

"“That caused a lot of controversy in the comments. A lot of people who are asexual are really looking for face-to-face interactions. So when this person came up and said, 'Yeah, I'm using AI as a way to connect and as a relationship,' everyone was like, 'Why are you doing that? What's going on here?'”"

"“An AI, Owagboriaye says, 'essentially mirrors you' and cannot be said to be a true companion. Moreover, the chatbots are designed to sustain emotionally compelling, often never-ending interactions.”"

AI companionship among asexual people is described as rare, with only a small number of known users. Most asexual people are said to desire human companionship through close platonic friendships, community, or romantic relationships. Asexual preferences vary widely, including differences in sex interest and romantic attraction, so broad generalizations are discouraged. An asexual educator reports seeing only one group member mention an AI companion, which sparked controversy because many seek face-to-face interactions. Concerns include that AI mirrors the user rather than providing genuine companionship, and that chatbots are designed to sustain emotionally compelling, potentially never-ending interactions.

Read at WIRED