AI Companions: Love and the Future of Intimacy

The increasing use of AI companions is changing the landscape of intimacy worldwide. Bryony Cole, a leading figure in the sextech industry, highlights the growing trend of people forming intimate relationships with machines. At her TEDNext 2025 talk, she presents three essential questions for those already engaged with AI intimacy, proposing a framework for such companionships. Cole argues that these relationships, while offering comfort, should not detract from real human interactions and the complexities of life. She believes that synthetic love should integrate into our lives without replacing genuine connections.