There was a time when the idea of robots, chips, and devices taking over the world seemed laughable to me. But now? I know the idea is anything but. After all, artificial intelligence is everywhere. It’s in our GPS systems, Siri and Alexa, and apps like ChatGPT are wildly popular. For better or for worse, AI has changed the world, and it’s changing the porn industry in 2024 too.
The idea that AI can mess with our sex lives or livelihoods of adult performers and filmmakers is unsettling. Which is why I tapped industry experts Angie Rowntree and John Eros for their expert insight. Rowntree is the founder and director of ethical porn site Sssh.com, and Eros is an audio erotica star for the platform; so naturally, they both have a keen understanding of the adult film world. And if anyone knows how AI is changing porn, it’s them. Keep scrolling to learn how AI is changing the porn industry this year:
How is AI Changing the Porn Industry?
If you’ve seen “Cam” on Netflix (highly recommend), you know just how dangerous deepfakes can be. And these AI-generated bots are perhaps the biggest threat to the porn industry at the moment. After all, porn is all about consent, and AI-generated explicit content is non-consensual. Plus, deepfakes can be used for harmful behavior, like targeting minors.
But it isn’t all bad. “What AI can do, though, is help some creators to more efficiently run their business and curate their content for fans,” Rowntree said. Obviously, anything that makes your life easier is a good thing; and streamlining your life to maximize productivity can help you make more money. Likewise, she also explained that the rise of AI in porn can motivate creators to step things up a bit. Standing out is everything, and getting creative is key to shining.
Is AI Erasing Human Content Forever?
If you’re worried about bots and avatars taking over adult films, don’t stress. Both Rowntree and Eros agree AI won’t fully replace erotic content creators for the time being, mainly because porn doesn’t have the budget AI technology requires. Plus, Rowntree explained that ethical porn watchers will likely be uncomfortable with the legal and ethical issues of using someone’s likeness through an AI generator.
Eros echoes this sentiment, saying that while AI-generated erotic content might possibly create more explicit content, it’ll likely stay more of a niche market. “Knowing that a real person is involved makes things far more erotic,” he said. Eros then went on to explain that the nuances of human porn compared to AI is also way more appealing to viewers. “There’s a physicality to sexuality AI will never be able to replicate.”
The AI Trends Taking Over the Porn Industry in 2024:
Although AI isn’t taking over the porn industry this year, it will slightly shift the adult entertainment space. But according to Rowntree, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. To get an overview of what AI porn will look like in 2024, Rowntree broke down four major trends to be on the lookout for:
1. Adult performer “avatars”
By now, you’re likely familiar with digital avatars in virtual spaces like the metaverse, and Rowntree says they’ll make their mark in the porn industry this year. Essentially, adult performers will make their own “avatars” that’ll serve as what Rowntree calls an “AI companion” to fans.
“Since AI can be available 24/7, this can revolutionize the way performers can engage with fans around the world,” she said. Plus, it’ll give performers and fans a new way to interact and ultimately experience a fun new level of entertainment.
2. AI adult chatbots
If talking out your fantasies and desires is your go-to form of sexual stimulation, you’re in luck. Because according to Rowntree, AI adult chatbots are on the rise for 2024. “Some adult performers have made AI chatbot versions of themselves, which allows fans a new level of interaction to go with their fantasy,” she explained.
But that’s not all. Rowntree also says these chatbots have the potential to enhance your viewing pleasure by providing information on what’s going on in a scene. “Additionally, while some AI graphics have a long way to go, AI is useful when it comes to curating content recommendations,” she added.
When it comes down to it, chatbots are expanding on what’s possible in the adult entertainment world by providing users with more ways to engage and interact, which definitely isn’t a bad thing.
3. AI-themed erotic movies
Think the adult entertainment space is safe from being swayed by what’s trending at the moment? Think again. “Sssh.com member requests are often heavily influenced by what is ‘trending’ in the wider world,” Rowntree explained. And this could be anything from 50 Shades of Grey to Bridgerton and, of course, AI.
Recently, Rowntree’s seen an uptick in the demand for porn focused on sentient AI beings from TV and film. Think: Andrew in Bicentennial Man, Samantha from Her, and Data from Star Trek. Similar to how these characters want to be “more human,” Rowntree says fans want to explore the potential of human connection with AIs. “We love creating films in all kinds of genres—topically and sexually,” Rowntree said. “So we’re definitely hoping to explore AI in a unique way soon.”
4. AI-enhanced erotic movies
“AI can potentially enhance erotic film environments—and you can find examples of this already in the mainstream,” Rowntree said. Case in point? Movies like the new Indiana Jones and Disney+ series “The Mandalorian.” Rowntree explained that AI enhances Indiana Jones through the use of realistic visual effects, while “The Mandalorian” uses AI algorithms to create a lifelike virtual environment.
Furthermore, enlisting the help of CGI can also pay off big time. According to Rowntree, this AI tool can be used to bring a film to life through the use of lighting, textures and physical interactions; this will be especially helpful for editing content filmed on a green screen or limited set. Plus, AI can generate virtual extras, so filmmakers can create content with large crowds without hundreds of real-life extras.
At the end of the day, the world and porn industry are ever-changing, but this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Instead of focusing on the cons of AI and what it means for the future, focus on the pros of what it can do to your sexual pleasure. “For any adult filmmaker with the vision, creativity, resources and budget to do it, all of these tools from the mainstream can be used to integrate AI into porn films,” Rowntree said. “We are excited to see how this creative potential can continue to be harnessed.”
