Leading the way in sex trends, app-enabled toys will offer an opportunity to customize a user’s experience like never before. With an app interface, vibration modes can be visualized and chosen with ease. This technology also allows users to create their own vibration patterns on a touch screen and save their favorite patterns for later. There are many toys like the Womanizer DUO 2 that have at least two motors, increasing the complexity of the toy. In addition, developing user-friendly apps helps remove barriers to entry for the user get the most out of their sex toys. Not only do app-controlled toys make it easier to customize vibration modes and play with a long-distance partner, they also allow users with mobility or physical disabilities to easily control their favorite toy.
Artificial Intelligence
Last year, the world really began to explore and embrace AI. Now, many of us are using programs like ChatGPT for our everyday tasks. According to recent data, ChatGPT currently has approximately 180.5 million users, and the website generated 1.5 billion visits in September 2023 alone.
AI algorithms can be used to create personalized experiences that adapt to individual preferences, and we predict that technology will be applied to several parts of the sexual wellness industry in 2024. This could apply to various aspects of sexual health and wellness, from customized fitness routines to mental health support. The future of sextech is all about empowering people to explore their sexuality, and AI has proven to be a valuable tool to help do so.
That being said, only so much can be done with this technology at this time, because sexual wellness, or more specifically pleasure focused, searches or content are often deemed explicit in many AI platforms. For instance, when asked to share sex positions, ChatGPT responded with, “as an AI language model, I adhere to a set of ethical guidelines that prevent me from engaging in explicit or adult-oriented discussions.”
It’s also imperative that sextech companies ensure that technology complements, not overshadows, the human side of intimacy. While blending technology with sexual wellness opens doors to tailored and immersive experiences, it’s vital for us to remember the human element in the equation. Because of this, brands must continue to focus on engineering to ensure the physical product is just as useful as the technology behind it.
While we traditionally think about technology as pertaining to wires, power, and computers, that is not the only type of technology that is a part of sextech. Advancements in engineering and design through real user testing and feedback are technical innovations that help users more easily and successfully use their toy.
After celebrating 15 years of We-Vibe’s iconic wearable couple’s vibrator, the brand is continuing its tradition of physical innovation with the new Sync O product—the first toy in the couples’ vibrator range to feature an insertable O-ring that helps the wearable vibrator stay in place. This “O” shaped ring can be squeezed together to slip into the vagina, and gently pushed against the vaginal walls to stay in place. Like a menstrual cup, this o-shape remains in place, even during more vigorous movements. While we use traditional technology to enhance the experience, ultimately innovations, like Sync O, are created because of the human experience.
Acknowledging Aging
A holistic sexual wellness ecosystem also includes sex at every age. Despite stereotypes and popular media representations, we know that older people are still having sex. According to our recent global survey, the average libido ranking of those 55 years or older is only 19% lower than that of people 54 years and younger. Aging and sex are often ignored in popular forms of media and are even treated and viewed as a joke, leading to 53% of people over 55 years old believing that the media does not paint a realistic picture of sexuality.
Sex as we age changes, and it is important to acknowledge that our bodies, libidos, and preferences can transform as we age. According to the National Institute of Aging, more than 1 million women go into menopause each year, yet the topic has remained generally unacknowledged by society up until recently. Over the past year there has been a growing recognition that menopause has been misunderstood both in the media and in the healthcare system for years. This shift comes as many Gen X-ers are beginning to experience menopause.
“The relationship between sex and menopause is a topic that will become more and more popular over the years. Many people are learning about it on social media, either from therapists working with clients who are experiencing menopause or who are experiencing menopause themselves.
Menopause is another topic that is still seen as relatively taboo, and people experiencing it want to know how they can still have great sex during menopause. It’s important that they have access to information that shows that they can.”
Shamyra Howard, Sexologist