(177) Sexual Aversion and Artificial Intelligence: Emerging Interactions and Psychological Implications

Introduction Sexual aversion constitutes a multifaceted psychosexual disorder primarily characterized by fear, disgust, and avoidance of sexual activity, rooted in complex affective and cognitive mechanisms (disgust propensity and sensitivity, anxiety, and trauma-related responses). AI and VR technologies have begun to intersect with sex therapy practice, offering new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. As sexual aversion frequently entails deep-seated affective responses, the integration of AI technologies may transform both the understanding and management of the condition. Objective The study aimed to investigate the emerging interface between sexual aversion and AI-based technologies and elucidate how virtual reality, chatbots, and other AI-driven modalities influence the assessment, treatment, and conceptualization of sexual aversion within contemporary sexual medicine. Methods A literature review was conducted in order to include peer-reviewed primary and secondary sources published within the last five-year span (2021-2025). The inclusion criteria encompassed studies examining VR exposure therapy for sexual dysfunctions, AI-driven chatbot interventions, disgust mechanisms, and metaverse-based sexual interventions. Findings were synthesized to identify convergent themes related to clinical efficacy, affective desensitization, and ethical considerations. Results The reviewed literature highlighted therapeutic potential and critical challenges regarding the integration of AI and VR technologies in the management of sexual aversion. Controlled and gradual engagement with VR sexual stimuli allowed individuals to confront aversive triggers in a safe, customizable environment. Empirical work demonstrated measurable reductions in avoidant behaviors, anxiety, and disgust following structured VR sessions, with sustained improvement at follow-up. Diagnostic applications of VR environments appeared useful in assessing emotional and physiological responses. AI-based chatbots were reported to facilitate stigma-free support that may complement psychotherapy. Metaverse-based interventions appeared to further expand the therapeutic landscape by promoting immersive psychoeducation and graded exposure opportunities. On the cautionary side, several concerns emerged regarding affective overstimulation, ethical boundaries, and emotional detachment. Enhanced realism in virtual sexual stimuli may, for some users, intensify the emotion of disgust reactions rather than reduce it-particularly among individuals with high disgust propensity or history of sexual trauma. Preliminary predictive models suggested that lower baseline sexual desire and sexual pain were associated with stronger aversive responses to AI-generated erotic content. These findings indicate that therapeutic success is highly dependent on individual sensitivity and the careful calibration of exposure parameters. Among the included studies, attention was drawn to significant ethical challenges related to consent, authenticity, and the risk of depersonalization in human–AI sexual interactions. The increasing realism of erobots raised questions about emotional disengagement, objectification, and the possible distortion of relational expectations. Conclusions The intersection of sexual aversion and AI-based technologies represents an evolving field with significant clinical and ethical dimensions. VR and AI tools offer novel avenues for the treatment and assessment of sexual aversion by enabling exposure, communication, and self-reflection in secure digital contexts. Nevertheless, their implementation requires cautious ethical oversight, individualized tailoring, and empirical validation. Future research combining controlled trials, and neuroaffective measures is essential to ensure that these interventions enhance rather than compromise the therapeutic integrity of sexual health care. Disclosure No