Love, sex and artificial intelligence

Abstract This article explores the intricate relationship between love, sexuality and the emerging realm of artificial intelligence (AI) through an interdisciplinary lens encompassing psychological, neurological and endocrinological frameworks. By dissecting love as a multifaceted construct—rooted in attachment, emotion and interdependence—and analyzing its convergence with sexuality, the study proposes a refined model of romantic bonding. Emphasizing the potential pitfalls of love mimickers, such as obsession, possession and paranoia, the paper also considers how personality traits and sociocultural influences affect couple dynamics. Importantly, it delves into how AI agents, increasingly capable of simulating human cognition and emotion, may eventually incorporate or replicate human-like expressions of love and sexuality. With advancements in AI fostering intellectualism, novelty and emotional mimicry, ethical concerns arise regarding the development of artificial emotional intelligence and its impact on human relationships. The authors argue for the need to evaluate emotional regulation within AI to prevent the emergence of dysfunctional or even dangerous emotional expressions. Ultimately, the paper calls for cautious optimism, urging interdisciplinary research to anticipate and guide the evolution of AI toward safe and meaningful emotional interactions.