The Intersection of Technology and Intimacy
Fields like sexual health and technology are advancing and growing rapidly. New innovations and research are expanding what we know and how we operate in both of these areas. The use of technology in sexual health is also evolving with new discoveries and understanding. As sex therapists, it is important to stay informed on how changes in technology can enhance and complicate sexual health and intimacy. It is important to explore how these new innovations change how we may address and navigate many of the concerns we see while understanding the possible concerns these new technologies may pose.
What Is Sex Tech?
Sex tech is a broad term used to describe a variety of innovative technologies that aim to address and improve sexual health, wellness, pleasure, and education. This could be anything from vibrators or apps, to sex robots, virtual reality, and even AI. Many of these examples are being developed and researched currently. Some have been around for a lot longer and are constantly being updated. These advancements will likely be ever-changing, and as new research emerges, our understanding of both the benefits and risks will grow. While it may be hard to have a full picture right now, let’s take a look at what we do know and what may be possible in the future, while addressing both the benefits and risks of these new technologies.
The Science Behind Sex Tech: Bridging Innovation and Sexual Health
Technology plays a large role in the world of therapy currently. During COVID-19, there was a rise in teletherapy platforms due to social distancing requirements. While this was an adjustment for many, it presented a lot of wonderful benefits to the field. Therapy is now more accessible to people in areas where therapy is not easily found or transportation may be a challenge. It is now much easier to find a therapist without worrying about commutes or if they are in your city! Couples therapy may also be easier for couples who have different schedules or short windows of time together that may have been impacted by travel time. If a therapist is licensed in multiple states, it also makes it easier for long-distance couples.
Some sex therapists, including the Embrace Sexual Wellness team, are beginning to implement various sex tech tools to help with education or exploring sexual health. With access to various resources, therapists may provide educational videos, guides, or websites that may be useful in navigating different concerns. OMGYes uses research to promote education are a wonderful example of how sex tech may be used currently. Sex therapists often keep up to date on the research that explores new ways to treat sexual difficulties. Researchers are actively exploring how different sex toys and apps are enhancing the way we manage concerns like erectile difficulties, premature and delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia, and low desire.
The Potential of Sex Tech in Enhancing Intimacy and Connection
There are some ways that these innovative technologies are already capable of enhancing connection and pleasure. The technology in many vibrators and sex toys has advanced to include app controls for toys, inviting hands-free fun alone or with partners. For couples who are long-distance, a number of brands have created toys that sync to apps and allow for long-distance play, which can boost sexual connection even when apart! While many of these toys are focused on one device and one remote, some brands offer devices that can be synced for playing together while apart. Even things like phone sex, video chats, and sexting could be considered innovations in sex tech.
While the research is somewhat limited and currently growing, there is data suggesting that some sex tech, like wearable devices and other sex toys, may be successful in treating a number of sexual difficulties. A 2024 study broke down the research being done on a number of wearable sex tech and vibrator tools to explore how they are being used to treat some of these concerns. While many of these devices are in early testing phases, they appear to have some hopeful outcomes. One device aims to help treat premature ejaculation through simulating sensations similar to penetration and using an app to gather biofeedback and teach people with penises how to control ejaculation. It shared similar results to other methods of treatment that are combined with sex therapy, without the same side effects of medications.
Research on how vibrators and sex tech that collect biofeedback data can be used to help with sexual pain and arousal is ongoing; this study explores a few devices being studied currently. Some of these devices work to target low desire by increasing arousal through vibration or even suction. Other devices are able to measure pelvic floor functioning to target specific concerns with orgasm. As mentioned, many of these technologies are in early stages and will likely only improve from here!
The Future of Sex Tech: What’s on the Horizon?
Virtual Reality and Enhanced Experiences
New innovations like the use of VR and AI seem to be some of the biggest developments that are just starting out. While the research on these technologies is very limited, there is some suggestion that VR may be helpful in reducing anxiety and working through trauma in a therapeutic space. AI chatbots are also on the rise, as well as the use of AI in creating sexual material. This may pose unique benefits and risks that require further consideration as it relates to ethics and treatment. Further research may help to shed light on a fuller picture of these risks and benefits.
The Ethical Considerations and Challenges of Sex Tech
These advancements in technology can be wonderful and improve treatment, but there are risks that are worth noting. One concern that many have is related to privacy and data storage related to sex tech. For some, the concern is related to the storing of sensitive information and photos through messaging apps or AI chatbots, or the data collected through the apps that collect sexual information and biofeedback. This data is subject to potential hacking or leaks, which can be worrying. Some have raised concerns about the bluetooth features on sex toys being hacked and controlled without consent. It is always worth looking into ways that these apps and companies work to keep data private.
More research is needed on sex tech’s impact on relationships. Many people worry that instead of being used to create connection, it could increase loneliness and make human interaction less likely. A reliance on sex tech may mean that there is less emotional connection with a partner. While sex tech can be a great tool to explore sexuality, for some, it may limit confidence in engaging with other humans in a sexual way. There may be additional dynamics in sexual contexts with humans that wouldn’t be the case with a sex toy, robot, or chatbot. A large concern related to sexual interaction with non-human sex tech is around consent. Since these are non-human tools, the idea of consent may not need to be explored, which may influence how people respond with human to human interactions. If there is limited practice in having conversations about consent, it may not be considered when another human is in the picture, which could lead to harmful situations.
These relational concerns, whether it is emotional connection, changing dynamics, or consent, can all be addressed in therapy. A sex therapist can help individuals and couples navigate boundaries and dynamics with sex tech to make sure that it is tailored to the unique needs of the person or couple. Sex therapy can provide a space to navigate an over-reliance on this technology or provide education on consent.
How Sex Tech and Therapy Work Hand in Hand
While these technologies may be accessible without therapy, a therapist is still a valuable tool in this area. Therapists can help address communication, trauma, and intimacy in a way that the technology may not. Not to mention, a sex therapist can help tailor these resources and care to fit the specific needs of the individual or couple. Sex therapy may be the bridge between embracing innovation and maintaining emotional and relational health.
A couples therapist may be able to provide guidance on how to introduce sex tech while maintaining intimacy and emotional closeness. For individuals, many of the benefits of sex tech and sexual difficulties were found to be successful when paired with sex therapy and traditional treatments. Again, having a professional to provide individualized care can provide additional benefits.
For some, therapy may be a space to explore anxiety or overwhelm related to the rapidly changing technology. Therapy can also address loneliness and community building in a way that tech may not be able to. Finding a sex therapist that can provide that extra support that can help you navigate intimacy, relationships, or sexual health issues, especially as it relates to technology.
Embracing the Future of Intimacy
Sex tech has the potential to revolutionize sexual health. While the research is growing, it can be very important to have a balanced approach that combines these tools with the support of a therapist to enhance connection, intimacy, and address any challenges that may present.
If you are ready to explore how sex tech can complement your relationship and intimacy, or if you are looking for support in navigating technology’s role in your intimate life, book an appointment with one of our Chicago sex therapists today!
