If there’s one thing I think we can all agree on, it’s that we’ve come a long way with sexual wellness. Not only is sex talked about more openly and positively than before, but we also have more resources readily available to help us along our sexual wellness journeys. Case in point: LELO’s Future of Intimacy report. The report dives into research conducted by the sexual wellness brand. It reveals the revolutionary sexual wellness trends we can expect to see this year and beyond.
If you think these trends will be more of the same and wax poetic about how to transform your sex life, think again. What makes LELO’s Future of Intimacy report so interesting is it uncovers ctly how technology is reshpaing relationships. It’s the perfect study for the AI and tech-driven world we live in—and it’s revealing AF.
So without further ado, let’s get into it. Allow me to introduce to you 2026’s revolutionary sexual wellness trends. The future of sex and intimacy is here, and both look brighter than ever before. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Revolutionary Sexual Wellness Trends for 2026:
1. Using technology for casual sex
Obviously, having sex casually isn’t new. But using technology to find casual hookups is. Applied futurist Tom Cheesewright explained that technology has fragmented the dating and hookup scenes. Now, finding people with similar interests and expectations is easier. “You can search for just about any niche interest online now and find people who share it,” Cheesewright said. “And those mutual interests might include sex purely for fun.”
That said, honesty is the best policy. If you’re using apps and platforms to find casual hookups, be upfront with matches about what you’re looking for. Not only will this avoid any confusion between you, but it will also prevent you from wasting each other’s time.
2. Sexual tension in gaming
Additionally, relationships are being reimagined. More people now open to having an online-only relationship, meaning the relationship would never go offline. And Cheesewright expects technology will transform these types of relationships as well. Case in point: Infusing sexual tension into gaming.
“Shared gaming experiences with a sexual element might be an opportunity for remote partners who have never met and might never meet,” Cheesewright said. Needless to say, if this comes to fruition, the gaming world will never be the same.
3. Virtual reality in adult content
Remember when virtual reality (VR) first hit the scene and everyone joked about using it to watch porn? Well, that idea has now become a reality. According to Cheesewright, “Virtual reality remains a huge growth area for the adult content industry, with some numbers showing triple digit growth and some estimates suggesting a third of men who’ve tried VR have used it for sexual content.”
Looking ahead, Cheesewright predicts VR—namely VR glasses—will become a regular part of everyday life. If that happens, he suspects “every aspect of sex technology might interoperate with them.” Users could roleplay in ways they never have before. Likewise, Cheesewright also predicts dating apps will integrate this technology. This would allow users to see potential matches in 3D before swiping right or left.
4. Using technology for sexual and emotional fulfillment
Previously, the idea of using robots, avatars, or other forms of artificial intelligence (AI) for any sort of fulfillment was laughable. But now? That idea isn’t so far-fetched. Not only is AI companionship on the rise, but Cheesewright says there’s already an established market for full-body sex robots. So going forward, using AI (think: AI adult performers or chatbots, sex robots, etc.) will likely become more common. Subsequently, doing thinks like watching an adult performer avatar, talking dirty to an AI chatbot, or using a sex robot for solo play will be more widely accepted.
5. Long-distance sex and connection
It’s no secret that technology helps couples in long-distance relationships (LDRs) stay connected. In fact, Gitnux reports that long-distance couples interact an average of three times per day using some form of technology, with 88% using video calls to communicate and 81% saying technology helps them feel closer to their partner. And because a lack of physical intimacy is a common challenge in LDRs, 85% admit to sexting their partner.
Going forward, Cheesewright expects technological advancements to further revolutionize these relationships. In this instance, both parties could go to a shared virtual environment. This would make them feel like they were together IRL and bring them closer. So if you’re living far away from your partner, stay attuned to what’s going on in tech. Staying up-to-date will ensure you’re capitalizing on all the latest advancements.
6. Endless options for sexual meetups
Lastly, the sky is the limit when it comes to sex and tech. Cheesewright says metaverse technologies will further “blur the lines between our digital and physical worlds.” And contrary to popular opinion, this is good news. According to Cheesewright, this seamless integration creates endless options for sexual meetups. Eventually, we’ll likely have the option to meet up with other humans or avatars in augmented environments.
Based on the above, it’s safe to say that establishing connections and exploring fantasies will become more accessible and acceptable as tech advances. Plus, you’ll be able to essentially “find your tribe.” You’ll be able to meet up with others who have the same interests as you or are curious about the same topics. Likewise, you’ll also be able to find spaces where you can have important convos about sex and desire.
The bottom line
It’s clear that technology is rapidly changing intimacy, and this is actually a good thing. Not only is it dismantling negative narratives about sex, but it’s also making sexual wellness more inclusive and diverse. Plus, sex and imagination go hand in hand. The expected advancements in tech will make tapping into the fantastical easier and in turn influence our real-life sex lives.
While this is ultimately a win, there is one caveat. “Digital avenues to emotional and sexual fulfillment present some obvious risks, especially if they are used to the exclusion of human interaction,” Cheesewright said. We need physical contact to survive—our well-being depends on it. Be mindful of this, and don’t forget to nourish your IRL relationships, too. If you can do that while using tech to your advantage, your sex life will be all the better for it.
