New survey says 1 in 2 Indians admit to having preferred sexual interaction with AI over intimacy with their partner

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just being used for emails or tasks at work anymore it's now coming into the bedrooms and relationships of many Indians.

A recent study conducted by extramarital dating app Gleeden, made by women for women, in association with IPSOS, has shown that 49 per cent of Indians have had at least one occasion where they chose to be sexually intimate with an AI rather than have physical sex with their partner; however, 65 per cent still believe that erotic interactions with AI is cheating.

The study surveyed a sample of 1,500 individuals from both tier 1 and tier 2 cities around India to assess how AI is changing dating, emotional connection, and infidelity in the modern Indian relationship. What was revealed is the huge gap between behaviours and beliefs. Overall, the results demonstrate how quickly AI has become viewed as an intimate partner. Approximately 63 per cent of survey respondents stated that they had used conversational AI as a coach for enhancing their seduction methods, improving their dating profile, analysing what they have shared with people they are interested in, and gathering information to conduct a successful first date.

Outside of flirting, AI has now reached into the most personal parts of people's lives because approximately 60 per cent of those surveyed used it to provide sexual counselling and/or therapy-related advice. Additionally, approximately 64 per cent used AI to provide assistance for dealing with personal relationship challenges with their partner or spouse. The change is not limited to simply asking for advice.

Rather, for many people in India, AI has replaced their spouse as their sexual partner. The study indicated that about 54 per cent of those surveyed have set up a virtual AI partner with whom to have sexual interactions, while 58 per cent report having created a virtual partner for genuine emotional and romantic interactions, such as exchanging kisses and cuddles. In addition, 52 per cent of those surveyed have created erotic materials using AI, and 49 per cent have created deepfakes using celebrities or known individuals; furthermore, no major gender differences were discovered in any of these cases.

One of the most shocking discoveries is that the feeling of being alone drives a large majority of individuals to adopt artificial intelligence. Of those who answered the question about their romantic life, 92 per cent are content, and 89 per cent are sexually satisfied, however, 57 per cent report feelings of "loneliness", which is a significant indicator that many people are seeking AI as a form of emotional companionship. In addition, the use of AI for both emotional and sexual interaction has also resulted in addiction; in fact, 46 per cent of respondents indicated they have been affected at a similar level to the addictive nature of pornography.

At the same time, social stigma still exists regarding AI and sexual exchanges. More than 60 per cent of individuals in India consider sexual exchanges with an AI to be cheating on their partner, and almost 70 per cent report that they would be shocked to find out that their partner was engaging in erotic interaction with AI.

Additionally, almost 70 per cent of individuals do not feel comfortable sharing their AI chat history with their partner, and both genders show this uncomfortable feeling, with women exhibiting a larger discomfort than men. This data indicates a growing disparity between private experimentation with AI for sexual purposes, and the morality of public attitudes.

In India, divorce rates are among the lowest globally, as arranged marriages make up the largest number of marriages; and although there appears to be a strong sense of marital stability, technology is redefining how couples interact. An AI is no longer simply an assistant to an individual, but an emotional entity within a couple's interactions.

Sybil Shiddell, who is the country manager for Gleeden India, commented, "We see an emotional change occurring as AI becomes not just a functional tool but also a place where people can seek validation, make fantasy, or find comfort. Many people are exploring this new world in secret; feeling guilty and curious at the same time, and yet many of these people feel their partner has been unfaithful for doing the same thing. This is not really a disruptive force because of technology but instead because of emotional responses to AI. The future of partnership and relationships will be determined by the way people establish boundaries, are honest with each other, and build intimacy in a time when AI will play an important role. As the Gleeden-IPSOS study indicates, it is not if AI will change our relationships, but in what way, how much will be affected, and how will these changes affect our emotional connections?"