The future of intimacy

Erotic toy companies already predicted a huge increase in sales of toys and other accessories last year, but it seems that in 2025, everything is quiet. The forecasts are no longer so high-flying; the erotic toy industry has put itself in a more conservative position. Nevertheless, some other predicted trends expected to overwhelm our intimate lives in the future surprised me. 

What I have welcomed among the trends is that people are increasingly open to expressing their sexual desires and fantasies. This no longer happens after three years of partnership, but is already highlighted on the first dates. This way, they can quickly find out what they like and may not like, and after a great dinner, they can thank each other for the company and return to their fantasies. At the same time, slow dating or slow-growing relationships are on the rise. People are supposed to look for more profound and long-lasting bonds. Some sexologists say that for this, we have to partially thank the erotic toys, sex dolls, or robots that can satisfy the basic need for sex. 

If people are not fans of the use of erotic toys and sex dolls, they often opt for solo polyamory. They are changing partners and socializing in and out of bed, but at the same time, they preserve their freedom and personal space. Among those who still swear by traditional forms of relationships, a holistic approach is on the rise to elevate their physical and mental health to a higher level. Purchases of herbal preparations to increase libido and regulate hormone levels are rising. In addition, essential oils (sandalwood, lavender, ylang-ylang) are much more used during sex, which are supposed to act as an aphrodisiac and, simultaneously, soothe the atmosphere. Couples also buy more frequently the foods known to improve sexual health in the past - avocados, dark chocolate, and nuts.

As I have already said in one of the previous articles, mindfulness is also at the forefront of sexual relationships, which is no longer just a tool for coping with stress. Mindfulness should help couples focus on the moment, touch each other, calm down, and focus not only on the result but also on the path. However, experts note that those who live in remote places often opt for virtual reality. This should also bring the couple closer together, especially when mindfulness is not an option.

Advanced sex dolls equipped with artificial intelligence are not new. The arrival of such dolls was predicted years ago, but now they are even more advanced. They are supposed to show emotions and memorize conversations with the owner. Some even say that in the future, they will be able to fully adapt to the owner, learn from him, and form a genuine relationship with him.  

What surprised me was the latest trend that 2025 is bringing. ChatGPT, Copilot, and similar AI robots are no longer a novelty. We use them in our work, and teachers deal with them in schools. But what surprised me was that they are also heavily used in sexting, not with other people, but with the robot itself. What is new - some AI robots should understand your tone, style, desires, which would consequently introduce more realism into the conversation with the "sex robot". Scientists predict that it will be used mainly by individuals who are too busy or too shy for real dating and could use a sex interlocutor on the other side of the screen.

The artificial but intelligent boys and girls business growth is estimated to reach nine and a half billion by 2028. Virtual relationships are the relationships of the future. Interest in this area is particularly growing among the male population. Some apps have millions of users who visit them every month. It may sound too romantic, but AI deprives people of emotional growth, human touch, empathy, and a hint of adjustment. Although it is difficult today, the feeling of skin contact with the skin will not be replaced by any robot, no matter how much it listens to me and satisfies all my wishes.