AI-Guided Self-Care Sparks Debate After Masturbation Pilot

An AI startup Joi AI conducted a month-long pilot using 150,000 applicants and 10 hired “masturbation consultants” to test an AI-guided self-pleasure routine, logging 134 sessions with an AI ‘wellness sherpa.’ Self-reported results claimed stress dropped 25%, focus rose 17%, and mental restlessness fell 19%, with 45% of consultants reporting creative inspiration. Joi says the AI-guided sessions produced satisfaction on par with other methods, though comparisons favored toys, porn, and fantasies. Critics warn the setup is potentially manipulative and monetizes vulnerability via in-app currency for explicit content, highlighting concerns about exploitation despite the wellness framing and an About page touting “AI-lationships.”