This Is the Future of Sex, and Your Teen Is Watching (Disturbing New Data)

In this episode, Dr. Brandon and Dr. Morgentaler talk about how chatbots are becoming digital lovers and emotional crutches—and why that's both fascinating and deeply worrying for real human relationships. 00:33 – The Rise of Chatbots Dr. Brandon and Dr. Morgentaler talk about how chatbots are becoming more realistic—and how they're designed to build emotional bonds for profit. 02:23 – Impact on Relationships They also explore how young people are turning to chatbots for love, comfort, and even sex—and what that means for real relationships. 05:39 – Real-Life Examples and Concerns They also share wild stories from real users, plus stats that show how many people prefer AI companions over actual humans. 10:46 – Chatbot Demonstration They also test one live on the podcast, showing how calm, kind, and dangerously convincing a chatbot can sound. 22:13 – Final Thoughts and Conclusion They wrap up by warning parents to talk to their kids and reminding everyone: nothing replaces real human connection. Resources: Skjuve, M. B., Følstad, A., Fostervold, K. I., & Brandtzaeg, P. B. (2022). A longitudinal study of human–chatbot relationships. International Journal of Human–Computer Studies, 168, Article 102903. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2022.102903 Willoughby, B. J., Carroll, J. S., Dover, C. R., & Hakala, R. H. (2025). Counterfeit Connections: The Rise of Romantic AI Companions and AI Sexualized Media Among the Rising Generation [Survey report]. Wheatley Institute, Brigham Young University. Retrieved from https://wheatley.byu.edu/Counterfeit-Connections-AI-Romantic-Companions With Dr. Abraham Morgentaler and Dr. Marianne Brandon Listen to the podcast on all of your favorite platforms: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ec/podcast/the-sex-doctors/id1761813985?l=en-GB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0apSFzquJXKoOGnmI6ndgT?si=e5a1e482c7ca46c7 Find us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesexdoctors?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesexdoctors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesexdoctorspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesexdoctor LinkedIn (Dr. Abraham): https://www.linkedin.com/in/abraham-morgentaler-md-81628b6 LinkedIn (Dr. Marianne): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannebrandon-59224513 X (Dr. Abraham): https://x.com/DrMorgentaler X (Dr. Marianne): https://x.com/drbrandon #AIChatbots #DigitalCompanionship #PrivacyConcerns