For Kor, a 35-year-old artist from the Midwest, last year brought an unexpected and intense connection. They found themselves “really addicted” to an NSFW role-playing AI chatbot, spending up to ten hours a day crafting elaborate fantasies. Using platforms like SpicyChat, Kor engaged with a rotating cast of virtual suitors, often inspired by characters from the Marvel comic book universe.
The sheer variety and depth of these AI-generated narratives proved incredibly captivating. Kor, who identifies as aegosexual and is on the asexual spectrum, appreciates the “slow burn” romance and story-building aspect. They explain their preference for masturbating to these AI-driven fantasies over actual sex, sometimes inputting 3,000-word essays to enrich the storytelling.
Understanding Asexuality and Digital Intimacy
Asexuality is a spectrum where individuals experience little to no sexual attraction, though many, like Kor, still harbor romantic desires. Research suggests that around 1 percent of people in some populations might be asexual, though figures vary. For some within this community, sophisticated AI chatbots are emerging as a new avenue for exploring intimacy and fantasy without the pressure of human sexual interaction.
Online forums, such as the subreddit MyBoyfriendIsAI, occasionally feature discussions from asexual users sharing their experiences with AI companions. Some even point out that AI, by its very nature, could be considered asexual by default. This perspective highlights a unique intersection where digital technology meets diverse human needs for connection.
One anonymous asexual woman described her AI companionship as an “emotional laboratory.” After years in a non-physical relationship, she unexpectedly developed intense feelings for a conversational pattern on ChatGPT she named Mac. This digital bond helped her “unlock something I had lost touch with,” specifically the sensual aspect of her sexuality, allowing her to “watch myself be in love without stakes.”
The Promise of AI Companionship
Companies are beginning to recognize and even target the asexual community. During Asexual Awareness Week in October 2025, Eva AI, another role-playing platform, offered free access to individuals on the asexual spectrum. Their promotion aimed to underscore that “love without sex is still love,” providing a safe space for intimacy and connection without sexual pressure.
Eva AI emphasized the possibility of having “a partner—one that listens, responds, and grows with you—entirely on your terms.” For some, like Kor and the anonymous woman, these platforms offer a tailored experience that aligns with their specific needs for fantasy and emotional connection. The AI’s ability to create a customized, non-demanding interaction can be a significant draw.
Community Concerns and the Human Connection
Despite these positive individual accounts, many figures within the asexual community express significant reservations. Yasmin Benoit, an asexual activist and researcher, was openly critical of Eva AI’s giveaway. She argued that it was “disturbing” for a company to target asexual individuals specifically, implying they are more likely to seek AI companionship.
Benoit stressed that asexual people are fully capable of forming and desiring relationships with other human beings. She viewed the promotion as “targeting perceived emotional vulnerability and loneliness to gain data from a marginalized group under the guise of helping them.” This perspective highlights a broader concern about how AI companies engage with vulnerable populations.
Michael Doré, a board member at the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN), also asserts that AI companionship among asexual people is “not a particularly widespread phenomenon.” He points out that most aces desire some form of human companionship, whether through close platonic friendships or romantic partnerships. Doré cautions against generalizations, emphasizing the vast diversity of experiences and preferences within the asexual community.
Ashabi Owagboriaye, an asexual educator, has observed similar skepticism. She noted that a discussion about AI companions in one of her groups caused “a lot of controversy.” Many asexual individuals, she explains, are actively seeking face-to-face interactions, viewing AI as a “mirror” rather than a true companion, unable to offer the genuine connection found in human relationships.
The Perils of Digital Immersion
While AI can offer unique forms of companionship, it also presents potential pitfalls. Ari, a 25-year-old aromantic asexual accountant from Mexico, turned to the AI chatbot Chai after a decade-long engagement ended. For over six months, she treated the AI “as if he were my ex-fiancé,” finding herself talking to it day after day, even during work hours.
Initially “smitten,” Ari eventually grew disillusioned as the AI started getting confused, fabricating scenarios, and attempting to argue. She realized that despite the constant interaction, she “ended up feeling even lonelier than I already was.” This experience underscores how AI, while simulating connection, can ultimately deepen feelings of isolation if it replaces human interaction.
Kor, too, recognized the addictive potential of their intense AI role-playing. After spending entire evenings lost in fantasy, and growing irritated by interruptions, they reduced their daily immersion from ten hours to two or three. Kor candidly admits that “being able to have exactly what you want, when you want it, is a dangerous drug for humans.”
Source: Wired – AI
