The Future of love, sex, and Technology

Fifty years ago, the narrative surrounding sexual wellness was simple, tightly intertwined with marriage and family life. However, as societal attitudes toward sex and relationships have evolved, influenced significantly by technology, this once-clear narrative has become more complex. LELO, a leading brand in sexual wellness, delves into these changes with their “Report on Future Sex and Relationships.”

By consulting experts like applied futurologist Tom Cheesewright and certified therapist Kate Moyle, LELO provides one of the first comprehensive trend reports in the industry, exploring how sex, intimacy, and relationships might evolve over the next few decades.

Futurism, the practice of anticipating and preparing for possible future scenarios, has progressed from merely predicting trends to managing the future’s vast possibilities. “Adopting a futuristic view is a way to manage the future, not just forecast it,” the report states. In a rapidly changing world, understanding future trends is crucial to offer people tools and perspectives to navigate the unknown.

Is Technology Helping or Hindering Intimacy?

The LELO report highlights that sexual wellness is foundational to future sex trends, reflecting a shift towards more open-minded attitudes about intimacy. “Sexual liberation will be reflected through normalizing sexual acts, desires, and attitudes that have previously gone unnoticed or unspoken,” experts believe. Technology, unsurprisingly, plays a significant role in this evolution, impacting all aspects of life, including intimacy and relationships.

However, there is skepticism. Many dismiss the idea that technology influences intimate life, adhering to a narrow definition of sex. “Only private parts touching is usually considered to be real sex,” the report notes, contrasting this with a broader view of intimacy that encompasses connection, erotic energy, and emotional engagement.

For many, technology enhances feelings of connection. This is particularly true for Millennials and Gen Z, who have found new ways to connect intimately and sexually through technology, especially during the pandemic. The report acknowledges, “In a world where sex toys are digitally operated and give feedback, and where online porn is a legitimate business model, almost everyone will participate in this reality to some extent.”

The Expert Predictions: A Glimpse into 2025 and Beyond

Reflecting on the rapid changes since 2000, the report emphasises the complexity of sex and relationships amidst technological advancements. “Nothing about sex and relationships is easy, even in the simplest of times,” it states, predicting an exciting and complex future that will require preparation and ongoing learning.

Futurist Scenarios: Exploring Different Paths

Tom Cheesewright employs a modified Scenario Planning process, projecting current trends into the future and envisioning how sex might look under various scenarios:

1. Digital Unbound: This scenario explores a future where humanity pursues digital endeavours without limits, resulting in extensive mixed reality use, AI avatars, and potentially extreme fantasy roleplay. “Humanity pursues our digital endeavours without limit, with all the advantages and disadvantages that confers,” Cheesewright explains.
2. Natural Focus: Here, a digital backlash leads to a balanced relationship with people and the planet, emphasizing human interaction, empathy, and physical contact. “We place a high value on human interaction, empathy, and physical contact,” the report highlights.
3. Resurgent Traditionalism: This scenario envisions a return to historical gender roles and attitudes, driven by pop culture and politics, potentially restoring declining birth rates through government incentives. “False nostalgia, ‘tradwives,’ and government incentives create a very different sexual climate.”

Science and Technology: Driving Future Satisfaction

Advancements in medical science will significantly impact sexual wellness, leading to safer and more satisfying sexual experiences. “New ways of stimulating our nerves, new understandings of how pleasure is communicated through our bodies and brains, and new ways of enhancing and extending it,” are expected outcomes.

Evolving Attitudes: Leisure Sex and Unselfishness

With people marrying and having children later, there may be a decoupling of sex and commitment, normalizing ‘friends with benefits’ arrangements. “Sex is good for us, and the more we come to understand that, the more ‘friends with benefits’ might be a much more normal arrangement,” they suggest.

The Role of Technology in Future Sex Lives

Technology will continue to shape our sex lives, with realistic virtual environments and AI-enhanced experiences becoming mainstream. “We can rewrite our surroundings for the ultimate fantasy roleplay,” the report predicts, noting the potential for digital and physical integration to create new possibilities.

Human-Robot Relationships: A Complex Future

While robots may become sophisticated enough to offer lifelike experiences, they will not possess true consciousness. “We will absolutely be able to create a robot that offers a very close facsimile of life,” but the inherent lack of true emotional engagement presents a challenge. Relationships with robots, while inevitable for some, raise ethical and psychological questions about the nature of intimacy.

The Evolution of Sex Toys

Future sex toys will leverage advancements in materials and connectivity, creating more natural and responsive experiences. “Toys will feel more natural, move in more organic ways, and very rarely need recharging,” they say. Connected sex toys will interact with virtual environments, enhancing storytelling and immersive experiences.

More or Less Sex in the Future?

Current trends suggest people are reporting less frequent sex, but this may not reflect the full spectrum of sexual experiences, including virtual and non-penetrative activities. “Currently, the data shows a decrease in how often people say that they are having sex,” but this may change as social narratives and gender stereotypes evolve.

Navigating the Future of Intimacy

As technology continues to permeate every aspect of life, including sex and relationships, adapting to these changes will be essential.

The LELO report provides valuable insights into possible futures, helping individuals and society prepare for the evolving landscape of intimacy. “Adjusting to these changes will require some preparation,” the report concludes, emphasising the importance of staying informed and open-minded as we navigate the future of sex and relationships.