**Over 150,000 Apply for AI-Guided Masturbation Study: A Surge in Demand for AI Companions**
In a surprising turn of events, Joi AI’s recent campaign for an AI-guided masturbation study has captured global attention. Launched in May, the initiative aimed to recruit participants for a month-long study involving daily surveys and the use of Joi AI’s “Daily Guided Masturbation” feature. The campaign quickly went viral, attracting over 150,000 applications—an unexpected response that forced the company to expedite the creation of a public selection process.
### A Global Response
Julie Levin, Head of Brand and Communications at Joi AI, revealed that the flood of applications came from around the world, with the largest groups originating from the United States and Nigeria. While the majority of applicants were men in their 20s, Levin noted that women also applied in significant numbers. The applications included a diverse array of resumes, ranging from a professional sommelier to a former sex worker and handyman, each vying for the role of “masturbation consultant.”
### The Study’s Objectives
The study, which began on July 1 and runs through the month, aims to measure various wellness indicators before and after participants use Joi AI’s feature. These indicators include stress, mood, loneliness, sleep, self-esteem, screen time, cravings, and more. Participants will also evaluate their experience and suggest improvements to the platform.
According to Levin, the $2,000 payment is intended to compensate participants for their time and commitment rather than monetizing masturbation. The results will help determine whether the project can expand into a larger study.
### Beyond the Paycheck
For many participants, the appeal extends beyond financial compensation. One participant, using the pseudonym Tango Mike, expressed curiosity about AI’s role in intimacy and connection. “The compensation certainly made the opportunity more attractive, but what really interested me was contributing to a project exploring the relationship between AI, emotional well-being, and human behavior,” he said.
Another participant, Keshav, highlighted the unusual nature of the opportunity. “Basically, it was a kind of unique job being offered, especially on something that is a routine or a hobby that is conducted on a daily basis,” he noted. “Furthermore, to be paid for doing something that is usually considered a taboo subject was also unexpected.”
### The Growing Market of AI Companions
Joi AI is part of a burgeoning market of web-based AI companion platforms, including Candy AI and SpicyChat AI. According to Appfigures, NSFW and romantic AI companion apps have generated $427 million in consumer spending since 2022. Levin clarified that while many users initially discover Joi AI for its adult content, they often stay for the conversation and companionship.
### Addressing Loneliness
Levin pointed to the “loneliness epidemic” as a driving force behind the high number of applications. “We’re in a loneliness epidemic—we’re getting more and more lonely, especially with social media,” she said. “But surprisingly, AI companionship actually helps reduce loneliness, and unlike social media, AI companions help people feel supported and feel heard.”
### The Future of AI Companionship
Despite the viral nature of the campaign, Levin believes the study underscores a broader trend: the increasing acceptance and integration of AI companions into daily life. “We did a study on what we call ‘AI sexuality,’ we refer to these people as AI‑sexuals, people interested in relationships with AI,” she explained. “Many don’t identify with that label because it’s not widely known, but they still tick all the boxes of AI sexuality.”
As the study progresses, Joi AI aims to continue exploring the intersection of AI, intimacy, and wellness, potentially paving the way for more open conversations about masturbation and AI-guided experiences.
**Original Article Source:** [Decrypt](https://www.decrypt.co)
