It’s often seen as a taboo subject, but one scientist is finally lifting the lid on our sex lives – and what 2025 has in store for them.
Dr Olivia Lee, the Relationship Scholar in Residence at Doll Authority, has revealed the seven sex trends set to encapsulate the year ahead.
Speaking to MailOnline, she said: ‘From fashion to travel, many of us are eagerly anticipating the trends that may – whether we realise it or not – influence our choices throughout the year.
‘However, it doesn’t end there; several exciting and unexpected sex trends are also on the horizon, and it looks like 2025 is going to be very kinky.’
Several of Dr Lee’s predictions are based on the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) – including AI sexting, and AI-enhanced sex dolls.
Meanwhile, the expert predicts that people will be more ‘kink centric’ this year.
‘”Freak Matching” whereby people choose to date those who share similar quirks, including sexual preferences, will be a popular trend,’ she told MailOnline.
‘For example, if you find feet erotic or enjoy sex doll companions, finding a partner with this shared passion is likely to become a priority during the year ahead.’
Several of Dr Lee’s predictions are based on the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) – including AI sexting, and AI-enhanced sex dolls
1. AI-driven intimacy
With AI becoming more and more engrained in our day-to-day lives, Dr Lee predicts that many people will begin striking up relationships with AI companions.
‘AI sexting utilises deep learning systems that imitate erotic human conversations,’ she explained.
‘Using Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology, these chatbots can understand your tone, style, desires, and deliver incredible realism.
‘This is set to become a core 2025 trend, with many favouring the reliability of this efficient sexting option – especially if they’re busy young professionals prioritising speedy responses.’
2. Evolution of sex dolls
Many people think of sex dolls as static objects.
However, Dr Lee explains that, thanks to AI, they are slowly but surely becoming fully interactive companions.
The expert predicts that people will be more ‘kink centric’ this year. ‘If you find feet erotic or enjoy sex doll companions, finding a partner with this shared passion is likely to become a priority during the year ahead,’ she told MailOnline
‘[This] will allow dolls to respond to a user’s mood, interests, and emotional needs,’ she said.
‘At DollAuthority.com, we’re on the cusp of launching our own AI-enhanced doll line; models designed not only for physical intimacy, but meaningful, personalized companionship that can adapt, learn, and grow with their owner over time.
‘They’ll be able to remember conversations, log your preferences, show emotion, and more, creating an incredibly life-like experience that’s never been seen before.’
3. Mainstreaming sexual wellness
Sexual wellness will become more normalised this year, Dr Lee predicts.
‘As sexual wellness becomes increasingly normalised, more individuals will view intimate products and services as tools for self-care, emotional well-being, and healthy curiosity,’ she said.
‘With AI-driven guidance, people can work through anxieties, improve communication skills, and strengthen their sense of self, making sexual wellness products feel as natural and beneficial as any other aspect of personal health.’
4. Non-traditional relationship structures
This year will see more openness to non-traditional relationship structures, according to Dr Lee
This year will see more openness to non-traditional relationship structures, according to Dr Lee.
‘From long-distance couples using immersive VR and AI to polyamorous households with interactive dolls, these technologies will encourage conversation around consent, boundaries, and communication,’ she said.
5. Solo polyamory
While polyamory is the practice of having more than one romantic or sexual relationship at the same time, Dr Lee predicts we’ll see a rise in solo polyamory this year.
‘This is the practice of having more than one partner or relationship, however it negates the notion of polycules, or other multiple people-centred relationship groups,’ she explained.
‘Instead, solo polyamorists focus on their partnerships alone; they do not cohabitate or reproduce and prioritise their own independence.’
6. Sexual transparency
Sexul transparency will be a ‘big part’ of 2025, according to Dr Lee.
‘Daters are realising just how important it is to be open about their sexual fantasies, desires, and preferences; especially if you’re looking to determine compatibility,’ she said.
‘In a world where taboos surrounded kinks and fetishes are lessening, we’re discovering a pride in our quirks and aren’t afraid to share them. Why not cut to the chase?’
7. Slow dating
Finally, Dr Lee predicts that 2025 will see lots of people slowing things down and choosing quality over quantity.
‘Steering away from casual encounters, more of us will be looking to build long-term, meaningful connections; when dating, looking beyond appearances to find intentional love, not just lust,’ she said.
‘As these preferences change, we will see daters becoming more willing to work on their relationships and build strong foundations. We might have been wondering where romance had gone, but it’s finally on its way back!
‘This is aided by technological innovations; sex dolls, for example, provide synthetic companions and sexual gratification that fulfils immediate needs, thus allowing users to pursue more emotional, deep-rooted human bonds.’